Reinforcement Meaning

/ˌɹiːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/
B2

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounThe act, process, or state of reinforcing or being reinforced.

nounA thing that reinforces.

If you want to form a new habit, positive reinforcement works best.
We need to give students positive reinforcement.
The steel columns tend to be covered by concrete for reinforcement.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The army requested rapid ____ from the capital to stop the enemy advance.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The army sent ____ to the front line after the initial troops came under heavy attack.

Etymology tree Proto-Italic *wre- Latin re-der. Old French re-bor. Middle English re- English re- English inforce English reinforce Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥tom Proto-Italic *-mentom Latin -mentum Old French -mentbor. Middle English -ment English -ment English reinforcement From reinforce + -ment.

"If a journalist speaks for herself, let her say so. If something is true of "a few" or "some" or "many" or, even, "most" of us, then let her say that. It may cost a few extra modifiers, but it will prevent the unconscionable reinforcement of the myth that we are all alike." — 1976 February 14, Thom Willenbecher, “Gremlins Inside The Press”, in Gay Community News, volume 3, number 33, page 5:
"Tuchel had demanded energy, a finessing of the connections between his players, a reinforcement of the identity he has wanted to see emerge out of the autumn programme. It did not really happen." — 2025 November 13, David Hytner, “Saka and Eze strikes sink Serbia as England maintain perfect World Cup qualifying record”, in The Guardian:

Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The army requested rapid ____ from the capital to stop the enemy advance.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The army sent ____ to the front line after the initial troops came under heavy attack.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically