Definition

Noun: 1. A strongly fortified defensive structure: A place, such as a castle or fortress, that has been built or prepared to be very difficult to attack and capture. 2. A place of security or survival: A place where a particular way of life, set of ideas, or group of people is strongly established, dominant, or protected.

Examples

• The ancient stronghold was built on top of the hill to defend the valley below.
• The rebels retreated to their mountain stronghold.
• The university is a stronghold of academic freedom and independent thought.
• That region is a stronghold for the conservative party.

Advanced Usage

• "The last stronghold of...": Used to describe the final or most important place where something (a tradition, species, idea) remains or is protected.
  • The small village is considered the last stronghold of the ancient dialect.
• "Bastion of...": A near-synonymous phrase often used in similar figurative contexts.
  • The newspaper prided itself on being a stronghold of free speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Strongpoint (noun): A specially fortified defensive position within a larger area.
• Fortress (noun): A large, permanent fortified place; a military stronghold.
• Citadel (noun): A fortress, typically one in or near a city, providing a final place of defense.

Synonyms

• Fortress
• Fortification
• Castle
• Bastion
• Bulwark (often used figuratively)
• Redoubt

Related Phrases

• Hold the stronghold: To defend or maintain control of a fortified place or a dominant position.
  • The general vowed to hold the stronghold against the invading army.
• Storm a stronghold: To attack a fortified place with great force.
  • The plan was to storm the enemy's stronghold at dawn.

Related Idioms

• A stronghold of tradition: A place or group that strongly maintains old customs and resists change.
  • The remote island community was a stronghold of tradition.

Noun

1. a strongly fortified defensive structure