Definition
To add strength to a structure or component by attaching additional material, fasteners, or supporting members so it can carry greater loads or resist damage.
Plain English
To make something stronger by adding extra material or support to it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, structural repair, fabric covering, and discussions of areas that need extra strength.
Derivation
From the Latin 're-' (again) and 'fortis' (strong), via Old French 'reinforcier' — literally to make strong again. The aviation use keeps that exact sense: strengthen what is there, or strengthen it further.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains structural integrity so the aircraft can safely handle flight loads without risk of failure.
Intuition Check
Do not read reinforce as just “repeat” or “emphasize.” Here it means to physically make something stronger.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic installed a doubler to reinforce the skin around the cracked rivet hole.
Example Sentence 2
After the inspection, the repair team reinforced the tail section to meet the new load requirements.