Fortress
/ˈfɔːrtrəs/
Definitions
A strongly fortified place; a stronghold.
/ˈfɔːrtrəs/
A large, strong building or structure used for defense or protection.
The city's ancient walls acted as a formidable fortress against invaders.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big, tough building like a castle. A fortress is that strong, safe place that's built to keep enemies out. Think of it as a really, really strong house that's meant to protect people.
👶 For kids: A fortress is a super strong building, like a castle, that keeps people safe.
More Examples
The rebels retreated to their mountain fortress, hoping to hold out.
The company built its new headquarters to be a fortress against hostile takeovers.
How It's Used
"The castle served as an impenetrable fortress during the siege."
"Her heart was a fortress, guarded by walls of silence and solitude."
Idioms & expressions
mental fortress
A state of emotional resilience and self-protection.
"She built a mental fortress against the criticisms of her peers."
From Old French *fortresse* (12th century), from Latin *fortis* (“strong, brave”). It developed from places that were literally strong, i.e., fortified.
Used frequently in medieval times to describe castles and fortified cities. Often used to create a sense of security and power. The term continues to be used in more metaphorical ways.
Memory tip
Think of a strong *fort* (as in, a military post) with lots of *resists* (that's why there is an *ress*).
Word Origin
"strong, brave"