fortress
/'fɔ:tris/
Definition
Noun: A large, permanent fortified building or complex of buildings designed to be defended against attack. A fortress is typically a strong, secure place, often with thick walls, towers, and other defensive structures.
Examples
- The ancient fortress stood on the hill, protecting the valley below.
- They retreated to the safety of the mountain fortress.
- The city was built around a medieval fortress.
Advanced Usage
- "A fortress of solitude": A metaphorical phrase describing a place where someone goes to be completely alone, isolated from the world. (This usage is popularized by the Superman comics, where the hero has his "Fortress of Solitude.")
- After the stressful meeting, his quiet study became a fortress of solitude.
- "Mental fortress": A figurative term for a state of strong, unwavering mental resolve or defense against criticism, stress, or persuasion.
- She built a mental fortress to withstand the constant pressure.
Variants and Related Words
- Fortification (n): The act or process of fortifying a place, or the defensive structure itself (e.g., walls, ditches). A fortress is a type of fortification.
- Fortify (v): To strengthen a place with defensive works; to strengthen or invigorate in general.
- Stronghold (n): A place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack; a center of support for a cause or group. (A fortress is a type of stronghold, but "stronghold" can be more figurative, e.g., .)
- Citadel (n): A fortress, typically one in or near a city. It often implies the last line of defense within a fortified area.
Synonyms
- Castle: A large fortified building or set of buildings, often the residence of a noble. (While similar, "castle" emphasizes residence and nobility, while "fortress" emphasizes military defense.)
- Bastion: A projecting part of a fortification; a person, place, or thing that strongly defends particular principles.
- Fastness (archaic/literary): A secure or inaccessible place; a stronghold.
Related Idioms
- "A man's home is his castle/fortress": A proverb meaning a person's home is a place where they should feel safe, secure, and free to do as they wish.
- He installed a new security system, truly believing a man's home is his fortress.
Noun
-
a fortified defensive structure
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