Bridgehead: meaning, definitions and examples

🏰

Add to dictionary

bridgehead

[ˈbrɪdʒhɛd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

military

A fortified position established by an army on enemy territory to serve as a base for further operations. A bridgehead is crucial for advancing troops and supplies into enemy territory.

Synonyms

base, foothold, stronghold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bridgehead	This term is primarily used in military contexts to describe a fortified position taken by force, typically at the end of a bridge, to secure the crossing and enable further advance. The soldiers established a bridgehead to secure the river crossing. Once the bridgehead was secured, the rest of the troops could advance safely.
foothold	Often used to describe a secure position from which further progress can be made, both in literal and metaphorical contexts. The climbers struggled to find a foothold on the steep rock face. The startup is trying to get a foothold in the competitive tech market.
stronghold	Usually describes a place that is very well protected or defended, often used to refer to a place of power or dominance in both military and metaphorical contexts. The ancient castle was a stronghold for the kingdom's forces. The brand has established a stronghold in the luxury goods market.
base	In a general context, base refers to a place where operations begin or are coordinated. It is a central place of activity or headquarters for an organization. The search and rescue team set up a base near the forest entrance. The company's main base of operations is located in New York.

Examples of usage

The soldiers successfully captured the bridgehead, allowing the rest of the army to advance.
Securing the bridgehead was the first step in the military operation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

A strong position gained by an individual or group in a particular area, especially in terms of influence or control.

Synonyms

foothold, stronghold, toehold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bridgehead	Typically used in a military context to describe a secured position on the enemy's side of a river or obstacle, which can be used as a base for further advances. The soldiers established a bridgehead on the far bank of the river, preparing for the next phase of the operation. Securing the bridgehead was crucial for launching the full-scale attack.
foothold	Used more broadly to describe a position from which further progress can be made in a challenging situation, often in business or climbing. The company is trying to gain a foothold in the Asian market. Once he found a foothold in the rock face, he continued his climb.
toehold	Refers to a small, initial position that can be expanded upon, often used in climbing, business, or other competitive contexts. She managed to get a toehold in the industry by starting with a small freelance project. With one toe securely in a crevice, the climber searched for the next grip.
stronghold	Describes a well-fortified place, either literally, like a castle, or metaphorically, such as an area where a particular ideology or demographic is dominant. The ancient city was known as a stronghold for its impressive defensive walls. The town remains a stronghold for the political party.

Examples of usage

The company established a bridgehead in the new market by offering innovative products.
The political party secured a bridgehead in the region with their grassroots campaign.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term combines 'bridge', from Old English 'brycg', and 'head', from Old English 'heafod', signifying the starting point or chief position.
First recorded use in military context traces back to the late 19th century.

Military History

During World War II, the Allies established several bridgeheads in Europe to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies.
The D-Day landings in Normandy involved the capture of bridgeheads to solidify a foothold in France for Allied forces.

Engineering

Bridgeheads can sometimes refer to the supporting structures at the ends of bridges, crucial for their stability.
In modern infrastructure, the concept of a 'bridgehead' can be expanded to mean any pivotal entry point in urban planning.

Pop Culture

In video games, players often find themselves establishing a bridgehead in enemy territory to launch further attacks or control of the map.
Movies depicting military operations often dramatize the struggles to capture bridgeheads as critical turning points in battles.

Literature

The concept of a bridgehead has been used metaphorically in literature to signify a new beginning or a breakthrough in understanding personal challenges.
In war novels, characters may experience growth or change once they secure a bridgehead, both literally and figuratively.

Translations

Translations of the word "bridgehead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça de ponte

🇮🇳 सिर की जगह

🇩🇪 Brückenkopf

🇮🇩 kepala jembatan

🇺🇦 плацдарм

🇵🇱 przyczółek

🇯🇵 橋頭堡 (きょうとうほ)

🇫🇷 tête de pont

🇪🇸 cabeza de puente

🇹🇷 köprübaşı

🇰🇷 교두보

🇸🇦 رأس الجسر

🇨🇿 předmostí

🇸🇰 predmostie

🇨🇳 桥头堡 (qiáotóubǎo)

🇸🇮 mostišče

🇮🇸 brúarhöfuð

🇰🇿 көпір басы

🇬🇪 ხიდის თავი

🇦🇿 körpü başı

🇲🇽 cabeza de puente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,274, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27271 colloquium
27272 photostat
27273 cinchona
27274 bridgehead
27275 satiated
27276 irascible
27277 bight
...