reforcer

Reforçar is a Portuguese verb meaning to strengthen, reinforce, or bolster something. It is used in both concrete and abstract contexts, such as reinforcing a structure, increasing security measures, or intensifying learning and behaviors.

The standard spelling in contemporary Portuguese is reforçar. The form reforcer is generally considered nonstandard or archaic. The word is built with the prefix re- (indicating repetition or restoration) and a root related to força, or strength, reflecting the idea of increasing robustness or support.

Conjugation notes: reforçar is a regular -çar verb. In the present indicative, the forms are eu reforço, tu reforças, ele reforça, nós reforçamos, vós reforçais, eles reforçam. The imperfect and future tenses, as well as the subjunctive forms (por exemplo, que eu reforce, que tu reforces, que ele reforce), follow standard patterns for this verb class.

Usage examples: O engenheiro decidiu reforçar a estrutura com vigas de aço. A empresa pretende reforçar os controles de qualidade. É comum reforçar a memória por meio de revisões regulares, especialmente em contextos educacionais.

Related terms: reforço, the noun meaning reinforcement or strengthening; reforçador or reforçador positivo, used in psychology to denote a reinforcer; reforçado, the past participle/adjective meaning strengthened.

See also: reinforcement in engineering and education; related verbs with igual prefixo re- com reforço.

---