Definition

1. Noun:

   • A tall, narrow structure: A building or object that is much taller than it is wide, often standing alone or as part of a larger building.
   • Anything resembling such a structure: An object or formation that is tall and narrow in shape, like a column.

2. Verb:

   • To rise to a great height: To be or appear very tall, especially in comparison to surroundings.
   • To appear very large or imposing: To stand out prominently or command attention due to size or importance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
  • A tower of books stood precariously on his desk.
  • A tower of smoke rose from the factory chimney.

• Verb:

  • The skyscraper towers over the rest of the city.
  • His intelligence towers above that of his classmates.
  • Dark clouds towered on the horizon before the storm.

Advanced Usage

• "to tower above/over": To be much taller or more significant than someone or something else.

  • In both skill and reputation, she towers over her competitors.

• "ivory tower" (idiomatic noun phrase): A state of privileged seclusion or separation from the practical concerns of everyday life, often associated with academia.

  • Critics accused the policymakers of living in an ivory tower, disconnected from the public's needs.

Variants and Related Words

• Towering (adjective): Extremely tall or impressive; of great intensity.

  • He faced a towering challenge.
  • The view was blocked by towering mountains.

• Watchtower (noun): A high tower from which a guard can observe the surrounding area.

• Water tower (noun): An elevated tank for storing water.

Synonyms

• Noun: Spire, steeple, column, pillar, skyscraper.
• Verb: Loom, soar, rise, dominate, overshadow.

Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs

• Tower block (noun, chiefly British): A tall building containing many floors of apartments or offices.
  • She lives on the 20th floor of a tower block.

Related Idioms

• A tower of strength: A person who provides strong, reliable support, especially in times of trouble.

  • My sister was a tower of strength when I was ill.

• To live in an ivory tower: To be isolated from normal life and practical problems.

  • The professor's theories were interesting but suggested he lived in an ivory tower.

Noun

1. a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
2. anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
   • the test tube held a column of white powder
   • a tower of dust rose above the horizon
   • a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
3. a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

Verb

1. appear very large or occupy a commanding position
   • The huge sculpture predominates over the fountain
   • Large shadows loomed on the canyon wall