fortress

/'fɔ:tris/

Thân thiện

A large fortress stands on a hill overlooking the valley.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a fortified defensive structure

Từ đồng nghĩa

• fort