Definition

Noun: - The main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress: A donjon is the strongest, most heavily fortified central tower of a medieval castle, serving as the last line of defense and often as the lord's residence. It is also commonly known as a "keep."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The castle's donjon was built on a high mound to overlook the surrounding countryside.
  • During the siege, the defenders retreated to the safety of the donjon.
  • Archaeologists are studying the ruins of the ancient donjon.

Advanced Usage

• "The donjon stood as a symbol of the lord's power and authority.": This usage highlights the donjon's role beyond mere defense, representing feudal control and status.
• In historical texts, "donjon" is often used interchangeably with "keep," though some architectural distinctions exist. This note is important for precise historical or architectural discussion.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep (noun): A synonym for donjon; the main tower of a castle.
• Stronghold (noun): A fortified place; a broader term that can include a castle or its donjon.
• Fortress (noun): A large, fortified building or complex, of which a donjon is a key part.

Synonyms

• Keep
• Stronghold (in this specific context)
• Central tower
• Citadel (can refer to a fortress or the core fortified area)

Related Phrases

• "To hold the donjon": To maintain control over the central, most defensible part of a castle.
  • The rebels could not capture the castle as long as the king's men held the donjon.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "donjon" is specifically associated with medieval European castle architecture. It is not used for towers in other contexts or time periods.
• It is important to distinguish the donjon (the main tower) from the broader castle walls and outer baileys. The donjon was the innermost and final defensive structure.
• The modern word "dungeon" (a dark underground prison) evolved from "donjon," as these basement levels of the tower were often used as prisons. However, in historical and architectural contexts, "donjon" refers specifically to the tower itself.

Noun

1. the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress