bulwark

[bool-werk, -wawrk, buhl-]

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.

verb (used with object)

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

bulwark

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulwark¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulwark¹

C15: via Dutch from Middle High German bolwerk , from bol plank, _bole ¹ + werk _work

Example Sentences

Google’s legacy ads and services may be ignored by some in favor of the cloud, but they are still the bulwark of Alphabet’s income statement.

Read more on Barron's

Mr. Schumer, even before his quivering on Mr. Mamdani, has in recent years hardly proven himself to be the Jewish bulwark he claims to be.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Formed in 1967 as a bulwark against Communism, these days Asean acts as a platform for diplomatic dialogue and trade talks.

Read more on BBC

A section of the ship's bulwark which bears the ship's name is being prepared to go on display in a community woodland near the town.

Read more on BBC

A stronger relationship between the two Christian denominations is a "bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny," said a statement from the King's spokesman.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bastion 
• fortress 
• mainstay 
• redoubt