1. the action or process of reinforcing or strengthening: "older electricity mains required reinforcement to meet increased demand"Similaraugmentationincreasesupplementingboostingswellingbuilding upbuilduptopping up
▪ the process of encouraging or establishing a belief or pattern of behavior, especially by encouragement or reward: "positive feedback leads to reinforcement"
▪ extra personnel sent to increase the strength of an army or similar force: "a small force would hold the position until reinforcements could be sent"Similaradditional troopsfresh troopsadditional policesupplementariesauxiliariesreservessupportbackuphelparchaic:succors
▪ the strengthening structure or material employed in reinforced concrete or plastic:"glass-fiber reinforcement"Similarstrengtheningfortificationbolsteringshoring uppropping upbuttressingunderpinningbracingstiffeningsupportingholding up