reinforced
UK[ˌriːɪnˈfɔːst]US[ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst]
adj
Made stronger or more solid, especially by adding extra material or support.
adj
(of a behavior, idea, or habit) Strengthened or encouraged, especially by a reward or positive outcome.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
in
force
ed
re
again
in
in
force
strength
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word "reinforced" is built upon the verb "reinforce," which entered English from the French renforcer, itself derived from the Late Latin reinforsare. This Latin construction logically combines the prefix re- (meaning "again") with the verb inforsare (to strengthen), which is formed from in- (into) and the root fortis (strong). The literal sense of "making strong again" or "strengthening into" a structure evolved from its physical military application—strengthening a fort or army—to the broader abstract meaning of providing additional support or encouragement. The addition of the adjectival suffix "-ed" transforms the action into a descriptive state, indicating something that has been made stronger or more resilient.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + in (in) + force (strength) + ed (adjective suffix)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "in" or "into".
force: From Old French force, from Late Latin fortia, from Latin fortis meaning "strong". It functions as the core root denoting strength or power.
ed: Old English origin, a suffix used to form adjectives from verbs or nouns, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
The reinforced concrete walls withstood the earthquake.
His success in the exam reinforced his confidence in the subject.
The argument was reinforced by several compelling pieces of evidence.