Both Uses of
fortify
in
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
- Sit down awhile, And let us once again assail your ears, That are so fortified against our story, What we two nights have seen.†
Scene 1.1 *
- …lost a father; That father lost, lost his; and the survivor bound, In filial obligation, for some term To do obsequious sorrow: but to persevere In obstinate condolement is a course Of impious stubbornness; 'tis unmanly grief; It shows a will most incorrect to heaven; A heart unfortified, a mind impatient; An understanding simple and unschool'd; For what we know must be, and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sense, Why should we, in our peevish opposition, Take it to heart?†
Scene 1.2
Definition:
-
(fortify) to make strongerin various senses, including:
- to add defensive fortifications to a site to withstand attack -- as in "fortify the camp"
- to make a structure or organization stronger -- as in "fortify the wall"
- to inspire emotional and mental strength -- as in "fortify her spirits"
- to strengthen an argument -- as in "fortify our argument"
- to add nutrients to increase the healthfulness -- as in "bread fortified with folic acid and iron"
- to add alcohol to make a drink stronger and/or less prone to spoiling -- as in "port, sherry, madeira, and other fortified wines"