stronghold

[strawng-hohld, strong-]

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

stronghold

/ ˈstrɒŋˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a defensible place; fortress

2. a major centre or area of predominance

Word History and Origins

Origin of stronghold¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stronghold¹

C15: from _strong + _hold ¹ (in the archaic sense: a fortified place)

Example Sentences

The president says he is delivering on campaign pledges to restore public safety, but detractors say he’s attempting to intimidate and provoke Democratic strongholds, while distracting the nation from his various controversies.

From Los Angeles Times

After losing control of the capital Khartoum the paramilitaries have stepped up efforts to seize el-Fasher - the army's last stronghold in the western Darfur region.

From BBC

But while the residents in Petare are learning to handle a rifle, outside of Maduro's strongholds, life goes on as normal, with few seeming to give much thought to the possibility of an invasion.

From BBC

He also mentioned Los Angeles - another Democratic stronghold, which will host the 2028 Olympics and eight matches next year.

From BBC

Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and troops continued their advance into the heart of the city, which Israel says is the last stronghold of Hamas.

From BBC

Related Words

• bastion 
• fortress 
• garrison 
• redoubt