Stronghold: meaning, definitions and examples

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stronghold

[ˈstrɒŋˌhəʊld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fortified structure

A stronghold is a heavily fortified structure that serves as a place of refuge or defense in times of conflict. Strongholds are typically built on high ground or surrounded by defensive walls, making them difficult for enemies to attack. They often contain provisions such as food and water to sustain those inside during a siege.

Synonyms

bastion, citadel, fortress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stronghold	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.
fortress	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.
citadel	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.
bastion	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.

Examples of usage

The castle served as a stronghold for the king during the war.
The rebels retreated to their mountain stronghold to regroup.
The ancient city was protected by a formidable stronghold.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a place of strength

In a metaphorical sense, a stronghold can also refer to a place of strength or power, whether physical or emotional. It represents a position or belief that is strongly held and difficult to overcome.

Synonyms

bulwark, fortress, strong point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stronghold	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.
strong point	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.
fortress	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.
bulwark	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.

Examples of usage

Her faith was a stronghold that helped her through tough times.
The company's market dominance was a stronghold in the industry.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'stronghold' is derived from the combination of 'strong', meaning robust or sturdy, and 'hold', referring to a place where something is kept.
Ancient castles and walled cities were often referred to as strongholds because they served as protective structures for communities.
During the Middle Ages, many strongholds were built on high ground to give defenders a better advantage over attackers.

Military Strategy

Strongholds serve as vital points in military strategy, providing bases for operations and stages for launching attacks.
Many famous strongholds, such as the Alamo in Texas, became symbolic of resistance and determination during conflicts.
To capture a stronghold often requires significant resources, making them high-value targets in warfare.

Pop Culture

Stronghold, a series of video games, allows players to build and defend their own castles, blending strategy with medieval themes.
In fantasy literature, strongholds are often depicted as the last bastions of hope where heroes rally to fight against dark forces.
Movies like 'The Lord of the Rings' frequently feature strongholds, such as Helm's Deep, showcasing epic battles between good and evil.

Psychology

The concept of a stronghold can metaphorically represent personal defenses people create to protect their emotions or beliefs.
In therapeutic settings, identifying one’s psychological strongholds is crucial for understanding areas of resistance in personal growth.
Many people develop strongholds in the form of habits or repetitive behaviors that help them cope with stress or anxiety.

Architecture

Strongholds in architecture often include thick walls, towers for watching enemies, and moats for added protection.
Many ancient civilizations, including the Romans, built strongholds using advanced techniques to withstand sieges.
In modern architecture, elements of stronghold design can be seen in secure buildings like embassies or military bases.

Translations

Translations of the word "stronghold" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fortaleza

🇮🇳 किला

🇩🇪 Burg

🇮🇩 benteng

🇺🇦 укріплення

🇵🇱 twierdza

🇯🇵 要塞

🇫🇷 forteresse

🇪🇸 fortaleza

🇹🇷 kale

🇰🇷 요새

🇸🇦 قلعة

🇨🇿 hrad

🇸🇰 hrad

🇨🇳 堡垒

🇸🇮 trdnjava

🇮🇸 vígi

🇰🇿 қорған

🇬🇪 საყრდენი

🇦🇿 qal'a

🇲🇽 fortaleza

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,353, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14350 acceptability
14351 incarceration
14352 beech
14353 stronghold
14354 fatalities
14355 lactation
14356 dangling
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