fortress

/'fɔ:tris/

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Word: Fortress

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A fortress is a strong, fortified building or structure designed to protect against attacks. It is often surrounded by walls and other defenses to keep people safe.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "fortress" when talking about a strong place that is built for protection, often found in historical contexts like castles or military bases.
• It can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

Examples:

1. Literal: "The ancient fortress stood tall on the hill, guarding the city below."
2. Figurative: "Her home became a fortress of solitude where she could escape from the busy world outside."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or discussions about security, "fortress" might be used metaphorically to describe a place or state of mind that offers safety or protection. For example, "He built emotional walls around himself, turning his heart into a fortress."

Word Variants:

• Fortress-like (adjective): Describing something that resembles a fortress in strength or protection.
  • Example: "The fortress-like building was impenetrable."

Different Meanings:

• Historical Meaning: In history, a fortress often refers to a military stronghold or castle used in battles.
• Metaphorical Meaning: It can also describe any place that provides safety, such as a strong friendship or community.

Synonyms:

• Stronghold
• Citadel
• Bastion
• Fort
• Strongbox (in a metaphorical sense)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Fortress of solitude": A place where someone can be alone and feel safe.
• There are no common phrasal verbs directly associated with "fortress," but you might use related verbs like "fortify" (to make something stronger) in context.

Summary:

"Fortress" is a noun that refers to a strong, protective structure. It's used both in literal contexts, like historical buildings, and metaphorically, to describe safe places or states of mind.

Academic

Noun

1. a fortified defensive structure

Synonyms

• fort