noun

fortification

for-tuh-fih-KAY-shuhn

Fortification (noun) means a wall, tower, ditch or other structure built to defend a place against attack. Example: “The Roman fortifications along the river are still visible.”

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noun

A wall, tower, ditch or other structure built to defend a place against attack.

"The Roman fortifications along the river are still visible."

"Troops strengthened the fortifications before the siege."

The act of making something stronger or better able to resist attack, pressure or damage.

"The fortification of the sea wall took three years."

The addition of vitamins or minerals to a food or drink to improve its nutritional value, or the addition of spirit to a wine.

"Flour fortification with folic acid has cut birth defects sharply."

"Port gets its strength from fortification with grape spirit."

How to use fortification

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething built to make a place harder to attack, or the act of making something stronger.

When to use it

Neutral. Most often plural in the military sense, since defences usually come as a system rather than a single wall.

Memory tip

A fortress is a single fortified place; fortifications are the defensive works themselves, and there are usually several.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

fortress → fortitude → reinforcement →

Common pairings

coastal fortifications medieval fortifications food fortification fortification of flour

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The Roman _____ along the river are still visible.

Etymology

Via French from late Latin fortificatio, from fortificare 'to make strong', from Latin fortis 'strong' and facere 'to make'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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defences rampart bulwark stronghold earthworks strengthening reinforcement bolstering

Antonyms

weakening

Related words

wall castle fort backing fortress declining strengthening enhancing

Rhymes for fortification

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

See all rhymes for fortification →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a fortification and a fortress?

A fortification is any defensive structure or the act of building one, such as a wall, moat or gun emplacement. A fortress is a complete fortified building or settlement made up of many such works.

What does food fortification mean?

It means adding nutrients that a food does not naturally contain in useful amounts, such as iodine in salt, vitamin D in milk or folic acid in flour. It is a public health measure aimed at preventing widespread deficiencies.

Why is fortified wine called that?

Because a distilled spirit, usually grape brandy, is added during or after fermentation. This raises the alcohol content, halts fermentation and helps the wine keep, which is how port, sherry and madeira are made.

What is the meaning of fortification?

"fortification" (noun) means a wall, tower, ditch or other structure built to defend a place against attack.

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