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Fortress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fortress

[ˈfɔː.trəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

castle

A fortress is a large, fortified building or area that is designed to protect a city or town from attack. It often includes walls, towers, and other defensive structures. Fortresses were commonly used in medieval times to defend against enemy armies.

Synonyms

castle, citadel, stronghold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortress

Typically used to describe a large, well-protected military building designed for defense. It can be historical or contemporary.

  • The ancient fortress stood tall against the invaders.
  • The fortress was equipped with modern weapons to safeguard the city.
castle

Describes a grand and often historic building, usually associated with royalty or nobility. Often found in fairy tales or historical contexts.

  • The princess lived in a magnificent castle on the hill.
  • They visited an old medieval castle during their tour of Europe.
stronghold

Describes a place that is strongly defended or an area of strong political or social power. Can have a metaphorical sense.

  • The rebels retreated to their mountain stronghold.
  • The city has long been a stronghold of conservative values.
citadel

Refers to the core fortified area of a town or city, typically on high ground, used as a final point of defense.

  • The citizens fled to the citadel during the enemy attack.
  • The citadel provided a vantage point to survey the surrounding area.

Examples of usage

  • The fortress on the hill overlooked the entire city.
  • The ancient fortress was built to withstand sieges.
  • The fortress walls were lined with soldiers ready to defend.
Context #2 | Noun

security

In a figurative sense, a fortress can also refer to something that provides strong protection or security. It can be used to describe a person's emotional defenses or a company's cybersecurity measures.

Synonyms

defense, protection, security.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortress

A large, strong building or complex of buildings used to defend against enemies. It often implies a historical or military context.

  • The ancient fortress stood tall on the hill, guarding the city below
  • The knights retreated to the fortress for safety during the battle
protection

The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm. It's a broad term that can apply to physical safety, legal rights, or environmental conservation.

  • The sunscreen provides protection against harmful UV rays
  • They rely on police protection due to ongoing threats
security

The state of being free from danger or threat. It involves measures taken to ensure safety, such as surveillance, alarms, and guards.

  • Airport security has become stricter after recent incidents
  • Good cyber security is essential to protect personal data
defense

Actions or strategies aimed at protecting against attacks or dangers. It can refer to military, sports, legal, or other protective measures.

  • The team focused on strengthening their defense to win the championship
  • The country's defense budget increased due to rising threats

Examples of usage

  • She built a fortress around her heart to protect herself from getting hurt.
  • The company invested in building a digital fortress to protect its sensitive data.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • During the medieval period, many European castles served as fortresses to defend against invading armies.
  • The Great Wall of China, built over centuries, also served as a massive fortress protecting against invasions.
  • Fortresses played crucial roles in battles. For example, the Siege of Vicksburg during the American Civil War showcased their strategic importance.

Architecture

  • Fortresses are often designed with thick walls, tall towers, and limited entry points to enhance defense.
  • Some fortresses had moats – deep open water areas surrounding them for extra security.
  • The architectural style of fortresses can vary greatly depending on the region, from medieval castles to modern military installations.

Literature

  • Fortresses frequently appear in epic tales, such as 'The Lord of the Rings', where strongholds symbolize safety and resilience.
  • Many classic fairy tales depict the princess trapped in a fortress, waiting for a brave hero to rescue her.
  • In literature, fortresses represent not only physical strength but also emotional or psychological strongholds.

Pop Culture

  • Video games like 'Fortnite' and 'Castlevania' feature fortresses as essential elements, with players building and defending these strongholds.
  • Movies often visualize fortresses as the last stand against evil, such as the iconic castle in 'Harry Potter'.
  • One of the most recognizable fortresses is the Bastille in Paris, which symbolizes revolution and the fight for freedom.

Origin of 'fortress'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fortis', meaning strong, combined with the suffix -ess, used for places.
  • In Middle English, it evolved into 'fortresse', which emphasized its role as a protective space.
  • Ancient Romans built fortresses throughout their empire to protect soldiers and local populations.

The word 'fortress' originated from the Latin word 'fortis,' meaning strong or powerful. It has been used since ancient times to describe fortified structures used for defense. Fortresses played a crucial role in military history, with many famous examples found across different cultures and time periods. The concept of a fortress has evolved over the years to encompass not just physical defense but also metaphorical protection and security.

See also: fort, fortify, fortitude, fortnight, fortune, forty.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,614 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.