Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, often temporary, defensive fortification: A redoubt is a military fortification, typically isolated and self-contained, used to defend a position or delay an enemy advance. It is often constructed quickly and may not have the full defensive features of a permanent fortress.
   • A secure refuge or stronghold: In a broader sense, a redoubt can refer to any secure place of retreat, safety, or last defense, whether physical or metaphorical.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The soldiers built a redoubt on the hill to protect the main camp.
  • The ancient castle served as a final redoubt for the villagers during the invasion.
  • In his ideology, he saw his home as a redoubt against the changing world.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a redoubt of": To turn a place into a fortified position or a place of strong defense.
  • The rebels made a redoubt of the old factory, defending it fiercely.

Variants and Related Words

• Redoubtable (adj): Inspiring fear or respect, often because of strength, power, or capability. (Note: This is a related adjective derived from the same root, meaning "to be feared" or "formidable," but its modern meaning is distinct from the noun "redoubt").
  • She was a redoubtable opponent in any debate.

Synonyms

• Stronghold: A place that has been fortified to protect it against attack.
• Fortress: A military stronghold, especially a strongly fortified town.
• Bastion: A projecting part of a fortification; a well-fortified position.
• Citadel: A fortress, typically one on high ground protecting or dominating a city.
• Bulwark: A defensive wall or something serving as a principal defense.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Redoubt" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is primarily as a standalone noun.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that directly feature the word "redoubt." Its use is largely literal or descriptive within a military or metaphorical context.)

Noun

1. an entrenched stronghold or refuge
2. (military) a temporary or supplementary fortification; typically square or polygonal without flanking defenses