What does reinforcement mean?
Reinforcement is the process of making something stronger, more secure, or more effective. It can refer to physical support, as in reinforcing a concrete structure, or to the arrival of additional troops, staff, equipment, or supplies. In psychology and education, reinforcement means a consequence that makes a behaviour more likely to recur; positive reinforcement encourages a response by adding something desirable, while negative reinforcement strengthens it by removing something unwanted. The concept also has a technical role in machine learning, where reinforcement learning involves an agent improving its decisions through rewards and penalties. Across these settings, the central idea is support that strengthens a person, object, system, or pattern of behaviour.
The action of making something stronger or more secure, especially by adding material, support, personnel, or resources.
"Careful reinforcement prevented the retaining wall from collapsing."
Additional troops, personnel, equipment, or supplies sent to strengthen a force or operation.
"The troops waited for reinforcements before entering the valley."
A reward or other consequence that increases the likelihood of a particular behaviour or response.
"Immediate praise can serve as effective reinforcement when teaching a new skill."
The plural is especially common for additional troops or forces sent to support a military operation or organization.
"Fresh reinforcements arrived at the front before dawn."
From reinforcing concrete to rewarding a habit, reinforcement is the idea of adding something that makes a structure, system, or behavior stronger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reinforcement come from?
Reinforcement comes from the verb reinforce, which was formed in the 16th century from the prefix re-, meaning again, and the Old French force, reinforced by Latin fortis, meaning strong. The word originally referred to strengthening military forces by adding troops or equipment. Its later figurative uses developed from the broader idea of adding strength or support, including in mechanics, education, psychology, and eventually computing.
Related word forms
How reinforcement is actually used
The term is common in engineering, military affairs, education, psychology, and machine learning. In behaviourist contexts, “reinforcement” describes a consequence that strengthens a response and need not itself be pleasant.
Easily confused with reinforcement
Reinforcement normally means strengthening or providing additional support, whereas re-enforcement most often means enforcing again or putting something into effect anew.
Enforcement means making a rule or law effective, while reinforcement means strengthening something or supplying additional support.