outpost

[out-pohst]

noun

1. a station established at a distance from the main body of an army to protect it from surprise attack.

   We keep only a small garrison of men at our desert outposts.

2. the body of troops stationed there; detachment or perimeter guard.

3. an outlying settlement, installation, position, etc.

outpost

/ ˈaʊtˌpəʊst /

noun

1. military

   1. a position stationed at a distance from the area occupied by a major formation

   2. the troops assigned to such a position

2. an outlying settlement or position

3. a limit or frontier

Word History and Origins

Origin of outpost¹

First recorded in 1750–60; out- + post ²

Example Sentences

He was among seven children killed in the bombing on a guerrilla outpost in the jungle department of Guaviare that claimed 20 lives in all.

Read more on Barron's

The company established outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Austin, London and elsewhere, and at one point may have counted as many as 300,000 practitioners.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It said China is wielding its economic leverage—through ports, logistics hubs and surveillance outposts—for greater military access and security influence.

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It said China is wielding its economic leverage—through ports, logistics hubs and surveillance outposts—for greater military access and security influence.

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The government has authorised a sharp expansion of settlements, and legalised some unauthorised outposts.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• frontier 
• settlement 
• station