stronghold

American  

[strawng-hohld, strong-] / ˈstrɔŋˌhoʊld, ˈstrɒŋ- /

noun

1. a well-fortified place; fortress.

   Synonyms:

   bastion, bulwark

2. a place that serves as the center of a group, as of militants or of persons holding hold holding a controversial viewpoint.

   The campus was a stronghold of liberalism.

   Synonyms:

   refuge, home, bastion, bulwark

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stronghold British  

/ ˈstrɒŋˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a defensible place; fortress

2. a major centre or area of predominance

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Etymology

Origin of stronghold

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; strong, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Previously found across the United States, they are now extinct or endangered in the east, with the western states forming their stronghold.

From Barron's

The new locations are hitting strong sales quickly, suggesting the brand resonates well beyond its Western strongholds.

From Barron's

Before and after the March bloodshed, authorities carried out a massive arrest campaign in predominantly Alawite areas, which are also former Assad strongholds.

From Barron's

Mingling Cubism, Dada, abstraction, Constructivism and Surrealism, he occupied his own avant-garde stronghold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beyond Syria, Islamic State retains strongholds in parts of Africa and Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• garrison
• redoubt