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

"It's knockout football and we go into it with confidence. You see the supporters get into the stadium early and Selhurst was rocking tonight and we can make it a fortress."

From BBC

On Tuesday night, at the fortress of soccer giant Inter Milan, the Norwegians pulled off their most surprising victory yet.

From The Wall Street Journal

When Everton said a tearful farewell to their atmospheric Goodison Park home after 133 years in the summer, hopes were high that Hill Dickinson Stadium could become the fortress fans dreamed of.

From BBC

"Elland Road is a fortress. If we deliver performances like this we have a good chance to stay up."

From Barron's

Two medieval fortresses face each other across the Narva River, separating Estonia from Russia on Europe's eastern edge.

From Barron's

Related Words

• barrier
• citadel
• garrison
• rampart