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.

---

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

---

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

He added: “But if history is any guide, the tables will turn and the day will come when those disappointed by today’s result will appreciate the legislative process for the bulwark of liberty it is.”

From Los Angeles Times

It also provided a bulwark against the expansion of Iranian influence, as it was near the routes from Iraq that were used to supply Iranian-backed forces in Syria.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• mainstay
• redoubt