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Citadel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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citadel

[ˈsɪtəd(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fortress

A citadel is a fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city.

Synonyms

bastion, fortress, stronghold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
citadel

Used when referring to a strong, fortified area within or near a city, often serving as a final line of defense.

  • The ancient citadel stood tall, protecting the heart of the city from invaders
fortress

Refers to a large, strong building or complex of buildings designed for military defense. Suitable in both historical and military contexts.

  • The medieval fortress was nearly impregnable and housed a garrison of soldiers
stronghold

Implies a place that is strongly defended and difficult to attack but can also be used figuratively to describe a place where a particular belief or activity is strongly maintained.

  • The rebel group retreated to their mountain stronghold to regroup
bastion

Commonly used to describe something that strongly defends or upholds certain principles or activities, especially when discussing non-literal defenses.

  • The free press is considered a bastion of democracy

Examples of usage

  • The citadel overlooks the entire city.
  • The ancient citadel was a symbol of power and strength.
Context #2 | Noun

history

A citadel can also refer to a stronghold or fortified area within a city, often used for defensive purposes.

Synonyms

bastion, fortress, stronghold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
citadel

A 'citadel' is typically used to describe the core fortified area of a town or city, often the last line of defense. It is ancient or medieval in connotation and implies a place that is not only defensively strong but also holds significant importance.

  • The ancient citadel stood atop the hill, watching over the town.
  • During the siege, the town's inhabitants took refuge in the citadel.
fortress

'Fortress' is used to depict a large and strong permanent military construction that provides excellent defense. This term has broad applicability in both historical and contemporary contexts, usually implying a place that is heavily fortified and difficult to breach.

  • The medieval fortress was nearly impenetrable.
  • The general ordered his troops to retreat to the fortress.
stronghold

'Stronghold' refers to a place that is strongly defended or has a high level of safety. It can also be used metaphorically to describe areas or groups that hold firm to particular beliefs or power. It usually implies resistance and security.

  • The rebels retreated to their mountain stronghold.
  • The region has been a stronghold of traditional culture.
bastion

'Bastion' is often used metaphorically to represent a strong defense or something that upholds principles or values, although it is originally a term for a projecting part of a fortification. The term can apply to more modern contexts like social institutions or ideologies.

  • The old library has been a bastion of knowledge for centuries.
  • The environmental organization is a bastion for wildlife conservation.

Examples of usage

  • The citadel was the last line of defense during the siege.
  • The citadel housed the royal family during times of war.

Translations

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

Origin of 'citadel'

The word 'citadel' comes from the Italian 'cittadella', meaning 'little city'. It originally referred to a small city or a part of a city that was fortified for protection. Over time, the term evolved to specifically mean a fortress or stronghold, often used in military contexts for defense and control.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,414, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.