Citadel: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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' 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' 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' 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.