fortified

adjective

for·​ti·​fied ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfīd 

1

: made stronger or more secure

a fortified city

fortified bridges

2

: improved or enhanced through the addition of one or more ingredients: such as

a

: having the alcohol content increased by the addition of distilled grape spirits during fermentation

Since Port is a fortified wine, it is fermented to about 5 percent alcohol, then brandy is added to arrive at a level of 20 percent alcohol.

—James Suckling

b

: enriched (as with vitamins or minerals) so that nutritional value is improved

fortified milk

Examples of fortified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s then finished in three different types of barrels—first-fill amontillado sherry, tokaji (a sweet Hungarian wine), and moscatel (a sweet fortified wine). —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2024

Most cigar blends are characterized by deep barrel finishes, often via a fortified wine like sherry or port, or a spirit like rum or cognac. —Kevin Gray, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Attendees noted the raspy, fortified tone of her vocals, and the confidence in taking on classics from her father’s catalog. —Shirley Halperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024

Each day, thousands of people drive or walk into the U.S. from Tijuana at Otay Mesa, a port of entry that is one of the most fortified and closely watched border checkpoints in the world. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fortified

• fortified wine