stronghold

[ strawng-hohld, strong- ]

/ ˈstrɔŋˌhoʊld, ˈstrɒŋ- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR stronghold ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a well-fortified place; fortress.

a place that serves as the center of a group, as of militants or of persons holding a controversial viewpoint: The campus was a stronghold of liberalism.

Nearby words

strong-willed, strongbark, strongbox, stronger, strongest, stronghold, strongly, strongman, strongpoint, strongroom, strongsville

Origin of stronghold

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at strong, hold¹

SYNONYMS FOR stronghold

1, 2 bulwark, bastion.

2 home, refuge.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR stronghold ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for stronghold

A Shiite stronghold wrapped in a Sunni explosive belt—not exactly a picture of stability.
The Nuclear Deal That Iran’s Regime Fears Most|Djavad Khadem|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Diyarbakır, a PKK stronghold, protestors defied orders to remain indoors.
Kobani is Falling to ISIS in Syria. Kurd Protests Explode in Turkey.|Jamie Dettmer|October 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It still remains incredibly difficult for new comics and heroes to get a stronghold in the marketplace.
DC Comics’ Diversity Crisis: Why the Status Quo Rules|Liz Watson|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Aleppo has been a stronghold of the more legitimate opposition to Bashar al-Assad.
Why the Border Bigots Are Beating Obama|Michael Tomasky|July 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Several are dead and Western journalists taken hostage as open warfare erupts around pro-Russian stronghold of Slovyansk.
Eastern Ukraine Explodes, Russian Invasion Grows More Likely|Jamie Dettmer|May 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Germersheim existed as a Roman stronghold under the name of Vicus Julius.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8|Various
He doth ask by what right, privity, or pretence, ye appear within his castle or stronghold upon this island?
Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 (of 2)|John Roby
It was then decided to march toward San Antonio, to see if the Mexicans would come out of the stronghold to do them battle.
For the Liberty of Texas|Edward Stratemeyer
A third stronghold then fell into our hands, and we were in undisputed possession of the heights.
Three Years in the Sixth Corps|George T. Stevens
Stuart retreated to his stronghold, leaving the union forces in possession of the field.
Personal Recollections of a Cavalryman|J. H. (James Harvey) Kidd

British Dictionary definitions for stronghold

stronghold

/ (ˈstrɒŋˌhəʊld) /

noun

a defensible place; fortress

a major centre or area of predominance

Word Origin for stronghold

C15: from strong + hold 1 (in the archaic sense: a fortified place)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for stronghold

stronghold

early 15c., from strong (adj.) + hold (n.) "fortified place, refuge."

stronghold

noun

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Origin of stronghold

Examples from the Web for stronghold

British Dictionary definitions for stronghold

stronghold

noun

Word Origin for stronghold

Word Origin and History for stronghold

stronghold