bulwark

[ bool-werk, -wawrk, buhl- ]

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. Usually bulwarks. Nautical. 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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulwark¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulwark¹

C15: via Dutch from Middle High German bolwerk , from bol plank, bole ¹+ werk work

Example Sentences

Advocates for the designations say setting them aside now will provide a bulwark against potential attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Gen. Rob Bonta and other leaders in California and like-minded states can form an important bulwark against attacks on environmental protections, much as they did eight years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

“California will continue to be at the forefront of progress, the bulwark of democracy, the champion of innovation and the protector of our rights and freedoms,” Schiff said.

From Los Angeles Times

It is the most powerful political force in Lebanon and a social movement which serves as a bulwark for Lebanon’s long-discriminated Shia communities against other sects in the country.

From BBC

But he’ll “vote for him one more time as a bulwark against the cultural and governance excesses of the American left.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• mainstay
• redoubt