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Harden vs Reinforce - What's the difference?

harden | reinforce |

As verbs the difference between harden and reinforce

is that harden is to become hard (tough, resistant to pressure) while reinforce is (to strengthen by addition) To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

harden

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To become hard (tough, resistant to pressure).
  • (ergative) To make something hard or harder (tough, resistant to pressure).
  • (dated) To become or make a person or thing resistant or less sensitive.
    • When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. — KJV, Exodus 4:21

    Derived terms

    * harden someone's heart

    Anagrams

    * English ergative verbs ----

    reinforce

    English

    Verb

    (reinforc)
  • (senseid)To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.
    • He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape.
  • To emphasize or review.
    • The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!
  • To encourage a behavior or idea through repeated stimulus.
    • ''Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies.

    Synonyms

    * (l) * (l) * (strengthen) strengthen, augment, fortify, buttress, bolster, line * (emphasize) emphasize, review, repeat * (encourage) encourage, reward, instruct, teach, learn