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Outpost Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outpost

[หˆaสŠtหŒpoสŠst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military

A military outpost is a small group of soldiers stationed in a remote area to protect a larger army or to guard against enemy attacks. Outposts are often located in strategic positions along borders or in regions with hostile forces.

Synonyms

base, fort, garrison.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outpost

Used to describe a small, remote station or settlement, especially one positioned far from a main establishment or in a frontier area.

  • The explorers established an outpost in the middle of the desert to conduct their research.
  • The military outpost served as the first line of defense against any approaching threats.
garrison

Refers to a group of troops stationed at a specific location for its defense. It can also denote the location where these troops are housed.

  • The small garrison was tasked with defending the supply route.
  • The town's garrison was on high alert due to the threat of invasion.
fort

Often implies a strong, fortified building or complex built for defense against enemies. Used most commonly in a historical or military context.

  • The old fort still stands as a reminder of the town's colonial past.
  • The troops were ordered to reinforce the fort before the enemy attack.
base

Typically refers to a central location where operations are coordinated, such as a military, naval, or air force facility. It can also be used in non-military contexts like business or research.

  • The soldiers returned to base after their mission.
  • The research team worked from their base in the Arctic to study climate change.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers set up an outpost at the top of the hill to monitor enemy movements.
  • The outpost provided early warning of approaching threats.
Context #2 | Noun

general

An outpost can also refer to a small settlement or community located in a remote or isolated area. These outposts are often established for purposes such as mining, exploration, or scientific research.

Synonyms

colony, settlement, station.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outpost

Use this term when referring to a distant military or strategic location, often in a remote or hostile area.

  • The soldiers were stationed at a remote outpost in the desert.
  • An outpost was established to monitor enemy movements.
settlement

This term is best used for a new place where people come to live and build a community, without the implications of control from a distant authority.

  • The settlement eventually became a thriving town.
  • Early settlements often faced many hardships.
colony

This word is suitable when talking about a group of people who settle in a new region, often under the control of their home country. It can have a historical or colonial context.

  • The British established colonies in North America in the 17th century.
  • The colony grew rapidly due to the influx of settlers.
station

This word is most appropriate when referring to a specific place where people or equipment are situated and perform a particular function. Often used in a scientific or transportation context.

  • The research team set up their station in the Arctic.
  • The train arrived at the station on time.

Examples of usage

  • The scientific outpost in Antarctica conducts research on climate change.
  • The mining outpost was set up in the desert to extract valuable minerals.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Early explorers used outposts to secure trade routes and protect their goods in unfamiliar territories.
  • Colonial powers built outposts to exert control over new lands, often leading to encounters with indigenous populations.
  • The western expansion in the United States saw the establishment of numerous outposts, which served as waypoints for settlers and travelers.

Science and Exploration

  • In scientific exploration, outposts are vital for conducting research in remote areas, such as Antarctica or space expeditions.
  • NASA has established outposts on the International Space Station, enabling continuous research and living in low Earth orbit.
  • Field stations, a type of outpost, allow scientists to study natural environments and ecosystems over long periods.

Pop Culture

  • Outposts often feature in movies and video games as strategic locations where characters must defend against enemies.
  • Fictional stories often use outposts as settings for dramatic events, representing isolation and survival in hostile environments.
  • Television series like 'The Walking Dead' depict outposts as safe havens amidst dangerous surroundings.

Geopolitical Context

  • Countries often establish outposts in disputed regions to assert their territorial claims and presence.
  • Modern military strategies emphasize establishing outposts to support operations and maintain a strategic advantage.
  • Outposts can serve as humanitarian aid centers during crises, providing shelter and supplies in remote areas.

Origin of 'outpost'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'outpost' originally comes from military vocabulary, where it referred to a position stationed away from the main base.
  • The prefix 'out-' suggests being away from the center, while 'post' is derived from Old French, meaning to place or position.
  • The use of 'outpost' in English became common in the 18th century, reflecting the need for military strategies in expanding territories.

The word 'outpost' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of 'out' and 'post.' It initially referred to a military position located away from a main force. Over time, the term expanded to include various remote settlements and scientific outposts. Outposts have played a significant role in history, serving as crucial points of defense and exploration in different regions.

See also: post, postable, postage, poster, posting, postman, postpone, postsecondary, posture, repost.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,144, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.