stronghold
/'strɔɳhould/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a strongly fortified defensive structure