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

Explanation

A fortress is a large building or complex of buildings used as a military stronghold. In a military sense, a fortress is often called a “fort." From its original sense of stronghold, the word fortress has stretched to include strongholds in a more figurative sense. Martin Luther used fortress to describe unfailing spiritual support when he wrote, “A mighty fortress is our God.” When someone has a hard time trusting others, you might say they have retreated to a "fortress of their own making."

Example Sentences

It was built as a fortress commanding views from high on the cliffs above the Litani river by the Crusaders some 900 years ago, and has been fought over many times since.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

His social media feeds increasingly blur the line between governance, architecture and fortress fantasy: giant protective systems, controlled ceremonial spaces, triumphant crowds and heavily curated images of power.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

It is positioned before a photographic backdrop of a fortress that overlooks lush, hilly terrain and coastal waters.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Now, of course, that’s a ridiculous premise because it suggests that people only come to the president, he never goes anywhere else, that he should be sequestered in this fortress.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

“Point it toward that castle over there,” Jack said, and she pulled on the handle until they were pointed at the large stone fortress.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

• barrier
• citadel
• garrison
• rampart