Fortress

/ˈfɔːr.trəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A military stronghold, especially a strong fortified place.

The ancient fortress stood on a hill, overlooking the valley.

A fortress can also refer to a fortified town or city.

During the siege, the citizens hid within the walls of the fortress.

A stronghold, a place of security.

The company built its headquarters as a fortress against competition.

A place that is strongly defended.

The data center was described as a digital fortress, secure from cyber attacks.

Middle English fortresse, from Old French forteresse, from fort (‘strong’) + -esse (‘-ness’).

fortress mentality

A defensive attitude where one is wary or protective of oneself and one's beliefs.

last fortress

A final, strong point of resistance or survival.

fortress of solitude

A place where one retreats for privacy or peace.

bastion

A projecting part of a fortification.

citadel

A fortress overlooking a city.

stronghold

A place that has been fortified to protect against attack.

A place that feels safe or impenetrable.

After that argument, my room became my fortress.

A metaphor for emotional barriers.

He built a fortress around his heart after the heartbreak.