Refortifying

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The act of strengthening or reinforcing something again to improve its defense or stability; the process of adding new support or fortifications to a structure to make it more secure; the action of renewing or enhancing protective measures to restore resilience and durability
2. The process of rebuilding or enhancing barriers or defenses to increase their protective capacity; reinforcing an object or position anew to ensure greater safety and endurance; taking steps to bolster or upgrade structural integrity for continued resistance
3. Renewing or adding additional strength to fortifications or strongholds for improved defense; enhancing the robustness of a place or system by providing further support or protection; revisiting and upgrading defensive structures or measures to maintain or regain strength

Etymology: "Refortifying" is simply the present participle of "refortify," which is "re-" (again) plus "fortify." "Fortify" comes from Latin "fortificare," built from "fortis" (strong) and "facere" (to make), so the literal sense is "to make strong." It reached English through Old French "fortifier" in the late Middle Ages, with its military sense of walling a place against attack. The prefix "re-" attaches freely to English verbs to mean "do again," which is why "refortify" can describe repairing or strengthening a defense that has already been built and perhaps damaged. The "-ing" ending turns the verb into a participle or gerund, so "refortifying" can describe the ongoing work or the act itself.

Synonyms: strengthening again, reinforcing

Antonyms: weakening, dismantling, demolishing