bulwark

American  

[bool-werk, -wawrk, buhl-] / ˈbʊl wərk, -wɔrk, ˈbʌl- /

noun

1. a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart.

2. any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance.

   The new dam was a bulwark against future floods.

3. any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.

   Religion was his bulwark.

   Synonyms:

   mainstay, buttress, support

4. Nautical. Usually bulwarks. a solid wall enclosing the perimeter of a weather or main deck for the protection of persons or objects on deck.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fortify or protect with a bulwark; secure by or as if by a fortification.

bulwark British  

/ ˈbʊlwək /

noun

1. a wall or similar structure used as a fortification; rampart

2. a person or thing acting as a defence against injury, annoyance, etc

3. (often plural) nautical a solid vertical fencelike structure along the outward sides of a deck

4. a breakwater or mole

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verb

1. (tr) to defend or fortify with or as if with a bulwark

Etymology

Origin of bulwark

1375–1425; late Middle English bulwerk, probably < Middle Dutch bolwerc, equivalent to bol ( l ) e bole ¹ + werk work (noun); boulevard

Example Sentences

As for the Brits, they no longer have an empire, but they remain a close U.S. ally, and the partnership has been a bulwark of global freedom for a century.

From The Wall Street Journal

That has served as a bulwark against economic headwinds, such as tariffs.

From Barron's

During World War II, Greenland provided the Allies a bulwark thanks to its strategic location in the contested North Atlantic.

From The Wall Street Journal

He pointed out the newly elevated sea wall, which provided both a scenic walking path and a bulwark against coastal flooding.

From The Wall Street Journal

Historically, the tax system has operated as a bulwark against concentrations of wealth.

From Salon

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• mainstay
• redoubt