Stronghold: meaning, definitions and examples

A place that is well-defended or considered a center of a particular activity or belief.

• The city served as a stronghold for the rebels during the conflict.
• This region is known as a stronghold of traditional crafts and arts.

A large, strong building or group of buildings equipped to defend against attack. It can imply a more formidable, almost impregnable structure.

• The fortress was surrounded by a deep moat and high walls.
• The troops prepared to defend the fortress from the approaching army.

A fortress protecting a city, typically on high ground; often used to indicate a stronghold of power or safety.

• The ancient citadel watched over the bustling city below.
• They retreated to the citadel when the attackers breached the city walls.

Any place that strongly defends particular principles, activities, or attitudes; often used metaphorically.

• The academy has always been a bastion of liberal thinking.
• The old castle served as a bastion against enemy invasions.

Used to describe a place that is heavily defended, often metaphorically to mean an area or group where a particular ideology or activity is very strong.

• The rebels retreated to their stronghold in the mountains.
• This region is known as a stronghold of conservative voters.

Used to describe an area of strength or excellence, either physically in a strategic sense or metaphorically in terms of skills or attributes.

• The castle's strong point was its elevated location, making it easier to defend.
• Mathematics is her strong point; she's always top of the class.

Refers to a large, fortified building or place, often with military connotations. It implies a sense of being impenetrable and extremely secure.

• The medieval fortress served as the last line of defense against the invading army.
• They turned their home into a fortress of solitude.

Primarily used to describe a defensive wall or a metaphorical defense mechanism that provides protection and support.

• The ancient city was surrounded by a bulwark that defended from invaders.
• Education is a bulwark against ignorance.