fortress

Noun
Synonyms: fort

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a fortified defensive structureSynonyms: fort
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Fortress \For"tress\, n.; pl. Fortresses. [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.

Syn: Fortress, Fortification, Castle, Citadel.

Usage: 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. [1913 Webster]

Fortress \For"tress\, v. t. To furnish with a fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
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