Fort
/fɔːrt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA strongly fortified building or position.
/fɔːrt/
A strong building or position designed to be defended against attack.
The ancient fort was built on a strategic hilltop.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really strong house with walls to keep bad guys out. That's a fort! It's a place where people can hide and be safe, like a superhero's secret base.
👶 For kids: A strong building made to protect people from enemies!
More Examples
The explorers used the fort as a base camp.
The enemy laid siege to the fort for weeks.
How It's Used
"The soldiers retreated to the fort after the ambush."
"Pioneers built forts to protect themselves from Native American attacks."
To strengthen or protect a place or thing.
/fɔːrt/
To establish or strengthen a place with defensive works so as to protect it against attack.
They fortified the city against attack.
💡 Simply: To 'fort' something is like giving it extra protection. You're making it stronger and safer, like building walls around it.
👶 For kids: To make something strong and safe, like building walls around your toys!
More Examples
The company fortified its defenses after the cyberattack.
He fortified his position by gathering more supporters.
How It's Used
"The engineers worked to fort the perimeter of the base."
"She fortified her arguments with strong evidence."
Idioms & expressions
to fort up
To prepare or defend oneself or a group of people.
"After the storm warning, we decided to fort up at home."
From Middle English *fort*, from Old French *fort* ('strong, fortified'), from Latin *fortis* ('strong, brave').
The word 'fort' has been used since the 12th century and originally referred to a fortified place.
Memory tip
Think of a strong hold, a place where soldiers and people are safe.
Word Origin
"strong"