fortify

Everyday

1. To fortify a place is to make it stronger against attack by building walls, towers or ditches. tree →
2. To fortify yourself is to make yourself stronger or braver, for example with food, a drink or encouragement. tree →
3. To fortify food is to add extra vitamins or minerals to it: «fortified cereal». tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, castles, towns and hill forts were fortified with walls, moats and gates. In science and healthy-eating lessons, cereals and milk are fortified with vitamins and iron. In stories, a hero «fortified himself with a cup of tea». Phrases: «a fortified town», «fortified with vitamins», «fortify yourself».

Examples

• The Normans fortified the town with stone walls. tree →
• The castle was fortified with a moat and drawbridge. tree →
• This cereal is fortified with iron and vitamins. tree →
• She fortified herself with a big breakfast before the race. tree →
• The soldiers fortified the hill. tree →
• Fortified foods help people get enough vitamin D. tree →

Note

Spelling: fortify → fortifies, fortified (y → i). Nouns: fortification, fort, fortress. «Fortified wine» is wine with extra alcohol added.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to strengthen a city wall or a defense against attack.

Interpretation. The prophets often warn that human walls and strength cannot save people without God.

Examples

• And ye numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and ye broke down the houses to fortify the wall; (Prophets ISA.22.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• A maul is come up before thy face; guard the defences, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily! — (Prophets NAM.2.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from Me shall spoilers come unto her, saith the LORD. (Prophets JER.51.53, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: fortify → fortifies, fortified (y → i). Nouns: fortification, fort, fortress. «Fortified wine» is wine with extra alcohol added.