fortified
UK: ˈfɔːtɪfaɪd | US: ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪd
adj. strengthened or secured with defensive structures (e.g., a fortified city)
adj. (of food/drink) enriched with added vitamins or minerals
vt. past tense of "fortify" (to strengthen physically or mentally)
fortified = fort<strong> + ify<make> + ed<past participle>
- fort (from Latin fortis, meaning "strong")
- ify (verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make")
- ed (past participle suffix indicating completed action)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin fortis ("strong"), combined with the suffix -ify (to create verbs meaning "to make"). Over time, "fortify" evolved in Middle English via Old French fortifier, originally describing physical strengthening (e.g., castles) and later extending to metaphorical or nutritional enhancement. The -ed suffix marks its past tense or adjectival use.
The medieval town was fortified with high walls and towers.
This cereal is fortified with iron and vitamins.
She fortified herself with a hot drink before facing the cold.
The troops fortified their position overnight.
His encouragement fortified my resolve to continue.