fortress - definition, synonyms and pronunciation

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)fortresses

a fortified defensive structureSynonyms: fortType of defensive structure, defenseKinds martello tower, sconce, presidio, trace italienne, alcazarExamples Tower of London, Alhambra, Bastille, Machu PicchuParts battlement, crenelation

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

For′tress noun; pl. Fortresses (#).

Origin: F. forteresse, OF. forteresce, fortelesce, LL. foralitia, fr. L. fortis strong. See Fort, and cf. Fortalice.

A fortified place; a large and permanent fortification, sometimes including a town; a fort; a castle; a stronghold; a place of defense or security.

Synonyms: Fortress, Fortification, Castle, Citadel. A fortress is constructed for military purposes only, and is permanently garrisoned; a fortification is built to defend harbors, cities, etc.; a castle is a fortress of early times which was ordinarily a palatial dwelling; a citadel is the stronghold of a fortress or city, etc.

For′tress transitive verb

To furnish with a fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify. William Shakespeare

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54