To strengthen or reinforce something, especially a legal judgment or court decision, by adding authority or additional support.
From Old French 'aforcer,' combining 'a-' (to) and 'force' (force, strength). The word emerged in medieval legal contexts when judges needed to reinforce their decisions with additional authority.
Medieval judges loved this word—when a decision needed extra legal muscle to stick, they would 'afforce' it, and it perfectly captures how institutions reinforce their own power through layering authority upon authority.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.