stronghold

[strawng-hohld, strong-]

noun

1. a well-fortified place; fortress.

   Synonyms: bastion, bulwark

2. a place that serves as the center of a group, as of militants or of persons holding hold holding a controversial viewpoint.

   The campus was a stronghold of liberalism.

   Synonyms: refuge, home, bastion, bulwark

stronghold

/ ˈstrɒŋˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a defensible place; fortress

2. a major centre or area of predominance

Word History and Origins

Origin of stronghold¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; strong, hold ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stronghold¹

C15: from _strong + _hold ¹ (in the archaic sense: a fortified place)

Example Sentences

In Maryland, a Democratic stronghold, the state is providing unemployment insurance to federal workers who are furloughed or having their paychecks withheld.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Yet a recent string of deals among regional and midsize banks reveal a drive not just for greater scale, but also the ability to build strongholds in specific, local markets.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The paramilitary group is fighting the army for full control of el-Fasher, the last military stronghold in the vast Darfur region.

Read more on BBC

The party is aiming to hold a record 900 council seats when they contest a series of nominal strongholds, in London, Brighton and Huddersfield.

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The president says he is delivering on campaign pledges to restore public safety, but detractors say he’s attempting to intimidate and provoke Democratic strongholds, while distracting the nation from his various controversies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bastion 
• fortress 
• garrison 
• redoubt