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

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

From The Wall Street Journal

The incident in Jenin in the northern West Bank, a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups, was filmed from several angles, including by AFP.

From Barron's

However, the army said on Tuesday that the RSF had attacked the town of Babanusa, the army's last stronghold in West Kordofan state.

From BBC

Fletcher was speaking to AFP in the Chadian capital following a visit to Darfur just across the border, where last month the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces seized the army's last regional stronghold of El-Fasher.

From Barron's

In office since November 2023, Noboa has deployed soldiers on the streets and in prisons, launched dramatic raids on drug strongholds, and declared frequent states of emergency -- criticized by human rights groups.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• garrison
• redoubt