Meaning
To give power, strength, or vigour to (oneself or someone, or to something); to strengthen.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Late Middle English fortifien, fortfien (“to strengthen (a castle, etc.) from attack; to strengthen (an army, etc.); to strengthen (a person), aid, support; to reinforce, support; to improve; to increase the efficacy of”), from Old French fortifier (modern French fortifier), from Late Latin fortificāre (“to strengthen, fortify”), from Latin fortis (“powerful, strong”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerǵʰ- (“to ascend, rise up; to be elevated or up high”) or *dʰerǵʰ- (“to be firm; robust, strong”)) + -ficō (suffix forming causative or factitive, or other verbs).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
weakendisarm
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles: