Bastion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
bastion
[หbรฆstiษn ]
Definitions
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.
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 todayโs 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.