French word

renfort

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɑ̃fɔʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsupport

Example

Elle a demandé un renfort pour terminer le projet.

She asked for support to finish the project.

Illustration for renfort (support)

More examples

Les pompiers ont envoyé des renforts pour éteindre l'incendie.

The firefighters sent reinforcements to put out the fire.

Core concept

Extra people or equipment arrive briefly at a strained place, adding strength so a team, operation, or site can continue.

Common phrases

  • demander des renforts

    request reinforcements

  • apporter un renfort

    provide support

  • un renfort financier

    financial support

Similar words

aide: Direct help with everyday tasks or personal difficulties.
soutien: Ongoing help that supports a person's activities or morale.
secours: Rapid rescue or relief provided during an accident or disaster.
appui: Material or human backing that steadies work or a decision.

Definition in French

Personne ou matériel supplémentaire envoyé pour soutenir une équipe, une opération ou un lieu en difficulté, le plus souvent de façon temporaire.

Word origin

French renfort comes from Old French and combines re- with fort, from Latin fortis, forming the idea of something that makes a situation stronger again.

Usage tips

  • The fixed phrase en renfort means as additional support and normally appears without an article, as in envoyer quelqu'un en renfort.

Other meanings

  • reinforcementnoun
  • reinforcementsnoun

Opposites

  • retraitwithdrawalnoun
  • affaiblissementweakeningnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word