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

AFPTV's live broadcast showed a cloud of smoke over the southern suburbs, which are considered a stronghold of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

From Barron's

It had called on residents to evacuate parts of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.

From Barron's

In the early days of this conflict, Israel was mainly bombing targets in the Hezbollah stronghold of south Beirut known as Dahieh.

From BBC

The military said operations had targeted "key Hezbollah strongholds" in recent days with the aim of strengthening the defence of Israeli border communities.

From BBC

Two of the by-elections will be held in Toronto, in constituencies that are considered Liberal strongholds.

From BBC

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• garrison
• redoubt