Literary notes about Fortify (AI summary)
The term "fortify" takes on a range of meanings in literature, often used to invoke both physical and metaphorical reinforcement. In military or architectural contexts, it calls to mind the act of strengthening defenses or structures, as seen when a camp is fortified for protection ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At the same time, authors harness the word to express the internal bolstering of one’s spirit or resolve—whether it is fortifying the soul against misfortune or the mind against despair ([5], [6], [7], [8]). Thus, across diverse literary genres—from historical narratives to poetic meditations—"fortify" serves as a versatile metaphor for bolstering strength, whether tangible or intangible.
- The necessary occupation of a ditcher prepares him to work in the trenches, and to fortify a camp, as well as to inclose a field.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - Thus reinforced, he determined to take possession of the heights of Dorchester, and to fortify them.
— from The Life of George Washington, Vol. 2 Commander in Chief of the American Forces During the War which Established the Independence of his Country and First President of the United States by John Marshall - A delay would give the enemy time to reinforce and fortify.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - Also they had of other men of war more than eight thousand, for to fortify all the fortresses in the marches of Cornwall.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - 'But may we not fortify our minds for the approach of death?'
— from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell - 46-5 Hearty appetites caused us to fortify ourselves against an afternoon which, unknown at the moment, was to prove fairly laborious.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - A thousand thoughts traversed his mind, but they continued to fortify him in his resolution.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - She would rather die than own the truth; and she hoped, by a little reflection, to fortify herself beyond betraying it.
— from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
