Breastwork: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ก๏ธ
breastwork
[ หbrษstหwษrk ]
military construction
Breastwork refers to a type of temporary fortification or defensive structure that is constructed usually to provide protection from enemy fire. It is typically built to be low in height, allowing soldiers to fire from a crouching position while providing some level of cover. This structure can be made from various materials such as earth, sandbags, or timber. Historically, breastworks were used in sieges and battles to fortify defensive positions quickly. Due to their simple design and ease of construction, they remain a practical choice in military tactics, especially in trench warfare.
Synonyms
bastion, defensive wall, fortification, rampart.
Examples of usage
- The soldiers built a breastwork to shield themselves from artillery fire.
- During the battle, the commander ordered the construction of a breastwork for strategic defense.
- The troops used sandbags to create a breastwork along the frontline.
- In preparation for the siege, the engineers erected a series of breastworks.
- The temporary breastwork was crucial in stalling the enemy's advance.
Translations
Translations of the word "breastwork" in other languages:
๐ต๐น muro de proteรงรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคค
๐ฉ๐ช Brustwehr
๐ฎ๐ฉ tembok pelindung
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑััััะฒะตั
๐ต๐ฑ brustwer
๐ฏ๐ต ่ธๅฃ
๐ซ๐ท brise-lame
๐ช๐ธ muro de defensa
๐น๐ท kalkan duvarฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฐฉ์ด๋ฒฝ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณูุฑ ุงูุญู ุงูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ zรกbrana
๐ธ๐ฐ zรกbrana
๐จ๐ณ ้ฒๆคๅข
๐ธ๐ฎ obrambni zid
๐ฎ๐ธ verndarmรบr
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพัาะฐะฝัั าะฐะฑััาะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแชแแแแ แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรผdafiษ divarฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ muro de defensa
Etymology
The term 'breastwork' has its roots in military terminology, deriving from the combination of 'breast' and 'work'. The word 'breast' in this context refers to a level at which one might take position, while 'work' denotes a construction or structure. Its use can be traced back to the 17th century when it became increasingly crucial for armies to develop forms of protection during battles. The concept of providing preliminary defenses through temporary structures was significant in the evolution of warfare tactics. Breastworks were especially utilized during sieges, where quick and effective cover was necessary to withstand enemy attacks. Over the years, the design and application of breastworks have been adapted to various contexts, but their fundamental purpose remains to provide a tactical advantage in combat situations.