fortress

American  

[fawr-tris] / ˈfɔr trɪs /

noun

1. a large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town; citadel.

2. any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

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fortress British  

/ ˈfɔːtrɪs /

noun

1. a large fort or fortified town

2. a place or source of refuge or support

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verb

1. (tr) to protect with or as if with a fortress

Etymology

Origin of fortress

1300–50; Middle English forteresse < Old French < Vulgar Latin *fortaricia (compare Medieval Latin fortalitia ), equivalent to Latin fort ( is ) strong + -ar-, formative of uncertain meaning +- icia -ice

Example Sentences

The Maduros tried to escape into a safe place, the US president explained, describing it as a military "fortress".

From BBC

Escape is impossible: She’s in a fortress in a city on a volcanic mountain, surrounded by rivers of lava and perched high above the fields of flowers her mother once loved.

From The Wall Street Journal

Companies are creating cash cushions — also known as fortress balance sheets — to protect themselves from a possible downturn.

From Los Angeles Times

Emery has turned Villa Park into a fortress, with just one home league defeat in 2025, fewer than any other team.

From Barron's

“And upon closing, their fortress balance sheet will propel us towards first power in 2031.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• barrier
• citadel
• garrison
• rampart