Bulwark Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🛡️
bulwark
[ˈbʊlwərk ]
Definitions
protective barrier
A bulwark is a defensive wall or embankment built to protect a city, ship, or other vulnerable area from attack. It can also refer to anything that provides protection or support, both literal and metaphorical.
Synonyms
defense, fortification, rampart, safeguard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bulwark |
Typically used to describe something that acts as a strong defense or protection against external threats, both literally and metaphorically.
|
| rampart |
A defensive wall of a castle or walled city, often with a broad top and a walkway. Frequently appears in historical, architectural, or poetic contexts.
|
| fortification |
Refers to military constructions designed to protect a place against attacks. Often used in historical or military contexts.
|
| defense |
A general term for something that protects from harm or attack, often used in various fields such as military, sports, and legal contexts.
|
| safeguard |
Used to describe a measure or action taken to protect something or someone from danger or harm, can be used in legal, financial, and everyday contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The castle was surrounded by a massive bulwark that kept invaders at bay.
- She viewed education as a bulwark against poverty and ignorance.
- The strong community spirit acted as a bulwark against crime.
support or defense
In a figurative sense, a bulwark can also refer to something that provides strong support or defense against a particular threat or danger.
Synonyms
defender, guardian, protector, safeguard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bulwark |
Often used in a literary or formal context, it describes a solid structure or figurative entity that acts as a strong defense.
|
| defender |
Commonly used in everyday speech to describe a person who actively protects someone or something, often in a physical or argumentative way.
|
| protector |
Used to describe someone or something that provides protection or keeps someone safe, often implying a sense of care or responsibility.
|
| guardian |
Typically used to denote someone who watches over and protects someone else, especially in a legal or parental capacity.
|
| safeguard |
Usually applied to describe measures or actions taken to prevent harm or damage, often with a preventive connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Freedom of speech is a bulwark of democracy.
- The union acts as a bulwark for workers' rights.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Bulwarks were essential in naval architecture; ships had wooden bulwarks to protect crew and cargo from the sea.
- During the Renaissance, bulwarks were prominent in military fortifications to enhance defense strategies against artillery.
- In the 19th century, the term adapted to signify any protective measure in politics and society, not just physical structures.
Pop Culture
- In literature, bulwarks symbolize protection and safety, often seen in stories about castles and heroes.
- In modern media, bulwark can represent any metaphorical safeguard, like laws or community support systems that keep individuals safe.
Psychology
- Psychologically, having emotional bulwarks, such as supportive friendships, can shield individuals from stress and anxiety.
- The concept of resilience can be seen as a psychological bulwark, providing strength during challenging times.
Literature
- The term has been used in notable literature, often depicting themes of protection and the struggle between safety and danger.
- Writers like John Milton used the concept of bulwarks to discuss moral and spiritual protections in their works.
Origin of 'bulwark'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bulwark' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'bolwerc', which meant a protective wall.
- The Old English 'weorc' in bulwark is related to the word 'work', emphasizing its construction or labor aspect.
- Historically, bulwarks were first used in fortifications to provide defense against attackers.
The word 'bulwark' originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'boulevard', meaning a defensive wall. It has been used since the 15th century to refer to protective barriers or strong defenses. Over time, its meaning expanded to include metaphorical references to support and protection in various contexts.