fortify
UK[ˈfɔːtɪfaɪ]US[ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪ]
v
to make a place stronger against attack, especially by building high walls or other defenses.
v
to make someone feel physically or mentally stronger.
v
to add substances to food or drink to increase its nutritional value.
Morpheme Breakdown
fort
ify
fort
strong
ify
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'fortify' entered english in the late 15th century from the old french 'fortifier', which itself derives from the late latin 'fortificare'. this latin verb is a compound of 'fortis', meaning 'strong', and the combining form '-ficare', from 'facere', meaning 'to make'. the core logic is thus 'to make strong'. the original military sense of strengthening a place with walls or ramparts directly reflects this literal meaning. over time, the concept broadened metaphorically to include strengthening one's resolve, health, or even food with added nutrients, while always retaining the foundational idea of imparting strength.
Analysis
Structure: fort (strong) + ify (verb suffix)
fort (from latin 'fortis', meaning strong, adjective root); ify (from latin '-ificare', via old french '-ifier', a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make').
Examples
the ancient city was fortified with massive stone walls.
a good breakfast can fortify you for the day ahead.
the juice is fortified with vitamins c and d.