Bastion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bastion

[หˆbรฆstiษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fortress defense

A bastion is a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions.

Synonyms

bulwark, fortification, stronghold.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers used the bastion to defend the fortress from enemy attacks.
  • The bastion provided a strategic advantage in the defense of the city.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

A bastion can also refer to a person, place, or thing seen as upholding or defending an attitude, principle, or institution.

Synonyms

champion, defender, supporter.

Examples of usage

  • She was a bastion of strength during the difficult times.
  • The organization was regarded as a bastion of tradition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Bastions were crucial in the design of Renaissance military architecture, helping defend against cannon attacks.
  • Famous bastions, like those of the Citadel of Quebec, played critical roles in colonial warfare across North America.
  • The use of bastions in fortifications decreased with the advent of modern artillery in the 19th century.

Literature

  • In literature, bastions often symbolize strength and security, representing characters or ideas that offer protection.
  • Several works reference bastions as metaphors for emotional or ideological strongholds.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, bastions are not just physical structures; they symbolize the preservation of tradition and values.
  • The term is used in political discourse to describe institutions or groups that defend specific ideologies.

Modern Usage

  • In todayโ€™s language, 'bastion' can refer to places or people that uphold values, such as a bastion of freedom or democracy.
  • The word is often used in technology contexts, describing secure systems that protect data from threats.

Origin of 'bastion'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the French word 'bastion', which originally meant a projecting part of a fort.
  • It can be traced back to the Italian word 'bastire', meaning 'to build'.
  • The term began to be used in English in the late 15th century to refer to fortified structures.

The word 'bastion' originated from the Italian word 'bastione', which means a fortified outpost or tower. It was first used in the 16th century to describe a projecting part of a fortification. Over time, the term has taken on a metaphorical meaning to represent a stronghold or defender of a principle. The concept of bastions in fortifications has been crucial throughout history in protecting cities and territories.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,707, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.