reinforce

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re·in·force / ˌrē-inˈfôrs/ • v. [tr.] strengthen or support, esp. with additional personnel or material: paratroopers were sent to reinforce the troops already in the area. ∎  strengthen (an existing feeling, idea, or habit): various actions of the leaders so reinforced fears and suspicions that war became unavoidable.DERIVATIVES: re·in·forc·er n.