Definition

1. Noun:

   • A fortified defensive structure: A strong building or place that is built or designed to be defended against attack, often with walls, ditches, or other military features.
   • A fortified military post where troops are stationed: A permanent army post, often strengthened for defense.

2. Verb:

   • To station (troops) in a fort: To place soldiers in a fort for duty or defense.
   • To enclose by or as if by a fortification: To surround or protect with defensive structures.
   • To gather in, or as if in, a fort, as for protection or defense: To come together in a strong, secure place for safety.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The old stone fort on the hill overlooked the valley.
  • Soldiers were stationed at the frontier fort.

• Verb:

  • The general decided to fort his troops on the high ground. (Less common usage)
  • They fortified the village, effectively forting it against raiders. (Illustrates the concept of enclosing)

Advanced Usage

• "To hold the fort": To be responsible for something, especially a job or duty, while someone is temporarily absent; to maintain or defend a position.
  • While the manager is on vacation, you'll need to hold the fort.

Variants and Related Words

• Fortify (verb): To strengthen a place with defensive works; to strengthen or encourage.
  • They worked to fortify the city walls.
• Fortification (noun): A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack; the act of fortifying.
  • The ancient fortifications were still visible.
• Fortress (noun): A large, permanent fortified place; a large fort.
  • The castle was a formidable fortress.

Synonyms

• Stronghold: A place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack.
• Citadel: A fortress, typically one on high ground protecting or dominating a city.
• Garrison: The troops stationed in a fortress or town to defend it; can also refer to the place itself.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Phrases

• Fort up: (Informal) To barricade oneself inside a secure location for protection.
  • When the storm warning came, they decided to fort up in the basement.

Related Idioms

• Hold down the fort: A common variant of "hold the fort," meaning to take care of a place or responsibility in someone's absence.
  • Can you hold down the fort at the office while I'm at the meeting?

Noun

1. a fortified defensive structure
2. a fortified military post where troops are stationed

Verb

1. station (troops) in a fort
2. enclose by or as if by a fortification
3. gather in, or as if in, a fort, as for protection or defense