re-enforce

3 definitions found

re-enforce - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Reenforce \Re`en*force"\, n. [See Reenforce, v., and cf.
     Ranforce, Reinforce.]
     Something which reenforces or strengthens. Specifically:
     (a) That part of a cannon near the breech which is thicker
         than the rest of the piece, so as better to resist the
         force of the exploding powder. See Illust. of Cannon.
     (b) An additional thickness of canvas, cloth, or the like,
         around an eyelet, buttonhole, etc. [Written also
         reinforce.]
         [1913 Webster]

  re-enforce \re-enforce\ v.
     1. to make stronger; "reinforced concrete".
  
     Syn: reinforce, reenforce.
          [WordNet 1.5] re-enforce

  Reenforce \Re`en*force"\, Re-enforce \Re`-en*force"\(-f?rs"), v.
     t. [Pref. re- + enforce: cf. F. renforcer.]
     1. To strengthen with new force, assistance, material, or
        support; as, to reenforce an argument; to reenforce a
        garment; especially, to strengthen with additional troops,
        as an army or a fort, or with additional ships, as a
        fleet. [Written also reinforce.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Psychology) To increase the likelihood that (a specific
        behavior) will be repeated by giving a reward or
        punishment to a person or animal; as, to reenforce the
        students' willingness to study by giving awards for good
        grades.
        [PJC]