French word

renforcer

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɑ̃fɔʁse/

Meaning

  • verbstrengthen

Example

Le gouvernement veut renforcer les contrôles.

The government wants to strengthen inspections.

Illustration for renforcer (strengthen)

More examples

Il faut renforcer la sécurité dans le quartier.

Security in the neighborhood needs to be reinforced.

Core concept

Added force or support makes an existing person, thing, or effect stronger, firmer, or more effective.

Common phrases

  • renforcer la sécurité

    reinforce security

  • renforcer les contrôles

    reinforce inspections

Similar words

fortifier: Make the body or an object stronger and more durable.
consolider: Stabilize something by securing its weak points or foundation.
intensifier: Make an action, effect, or degree stronger.
accroître: Increase the amount or scale of something.

Definition in French

Appliquer une action pour rendre quelque chose ou quelqu'un plus fort, plus solide ou plus efficace ; s'emploie aussi au pronominal 'se renforcer' pour indiquer qu'un élément devient plus robuste.

Word origin

French renforcer combines re- with enforcer, an Old French verb based on force, which comes from Latin fortia, meaning strength.

Usage tips

  • Renforcer takes a direct object without a preposition, as in renforcer les contrôles, la sécurité, or la confiance.

Other meanings

  • reinforceverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word