Stronghold
'strɔːŋhəʊld
Definitions
2 meaningsA place that is strongly fortified and often difficult to capture or defeat.
'strɔːŋhəʊld
A fortified place
The rebel army retreated to their mountain stronghold.
💡 Simply: A stronghold is like a really tough, safe place that's hard to get into, like a castle or a fort. Imagine a place where you're safe from enemies! It's not easy to conquer.
👶 For kids: A stronghold is like a super strong fort or castle where people can hide and be safe.
More Examples
The city's defensive walls made it a formidable stronghold.
The bank heist was thwarted because the police were stationed near the stronghold.
The pirates made their stronghold on a remote island, beyond the reach of the navy.
How It's Used
"The castle served as a stronghold against invaders."
"During the revolution, the city was a stronghold of the rebels."
A place or area where a particular group, activity, or belief is dominant or prevalent.
'strɔːŋhəʊld
A place where a particular group or activity is prevalent
Silicon Valley is a stronghold for tech companies.
💡 Simply: Sometimes a stronghold isn't just a castle, it could be a place where something is really popular. For example, a town could be a stronghold for a certain kind of music or a political party. It means a place where it's really common!
👶 For kids: A stronghold can also be a place where a certain thing is very popular or common, like a school that's a stronghold of learning.
More Examples
The city's art district is a stronghold of creativity.
His home became a stronghold of peace, and the people sought his advice.
The region became a stronghold of the endangered species.
How It's Used
"The state is a stronghold of the Republican Party."
"The university has become a stronghold for progressive ideas."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to hold one's ground
To maintain one's position or opinion, to stand firm.
"Despite the pressure, she held her ground and refused to compromise her principles."
secure a stronghold
To establish a strong position or control in a place.
"The company worked hard to secure a stronghold in the new market."
From Middle English *stronge hold*, meaning 'a strong place or fortress'. Derived from 'strong' + 'hold'.
Used extensively in medieval and early modern English to describe castles and fortified positions.
Memory tip
Think of a STRONG place that you can HOLD (or defend).
Word Origin
"strong + hold (place of protection)"