bulwark

American  

[bool-werk, -wawrk, buhl-] / ˈbʊl wərk, -wɔrk, ˈbʌl- /

noun

1. a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart.

2. any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance.

   The new dam was a bulwark against future floods.

3. any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.

   Religion was his bulwark.

   Synonyms:

   mainstay, buttress, support

4. Nautical. Usually bulwarks. a solid wall enclosing the perimeter of a weather or main deck for the protection of persons or objects on deck.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fortify or protect with a bulwark; secure by or as if by a fortification.

bulwark British  

/ ˈbʊlwək /

noun

1. a wall or similar structure used as a fortification; rampart

2. a person or thing acting as a defence against injury, annoyance, etc

3. (often plural) nautical a solid vertical fencelike structure along the outward sides of a deck

4. a breakwater or mole

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verb

1. (tr) to defend or fortify with or as if with a bulwark

Etymology

Origin of bulwark

1375–1425; late Middle English bulwerk, probably < Middle Dutch bolwerc, equivalent to bol ( l ) e bole ¹ + werk work (noun); boulevard

Example Sentences

We saw it repeatedly called a bulwark of liberty.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

He rightly calls the legislative process “the bulwark of liberty.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

He added: “But if history is any guide, the tables will turn and the day will come when those disappointed by today’s result will appreciate the legislative process for the bulwark of liberty it is.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

That has served as a bulwark against economic headwinds, such as tariffs.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Certainly it was the emptiest of his threats, for he was nothing if not a provider and a bulwark.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• mainstay
• redoubt