garrison

¹

[ gar-uh-suhn ]

noun

1. a body of troops stationed in a fortified place.
2. the place where such troops are stationed.
3. any military post, especially a permanent one.

verb (used with object)

1. to provide (a fort, town, etc.) with a garrison.
2. to occupy (a fort, post, station, etc.) with troops.
3. to put (troops) on duty in a fort, post, station, etc.

Garrison

²

[ gar-uh-suhn ]

noun

1. William Lloyd, 1805–79, U.S. leader in the abolition movement.

garrison

/ ˈɡærɪsən /

noun

1. the troops who maintain and guard a base or fortified place
2. 1. the place itself
   2. ( as modifier )

      a garrison town

verb

1. tr to station (troops) in (a fort)

Other Words From

• over·garri·son verb (used with object)
• re·garri·son verb (used with object)
• un·garri·soned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of garrison¹

1250–1300; Middle English garisoun protection, stronghold < Old French garison, gareison defense, provision, derivative of garir, guerir to defend < Germanic; compare Old High German warjan

Word History and Origins

Origin of garrison¹

C13: from Old French garison, from garir to defend, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse verja to defend, Old English, Old High German werian

Example Sentences

It has a major military base in N’Djamena and smaller garrisons in the north and east.

From BBC

During the court hearing, Khan told the judges he had been held in solitary confinement at a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where he is currently serving multiple prison terms.

From Seattle Times

He is being held in custody for two months, Russian news agencies cited a military garrison court as saying, but other details of the case were not reported.

From Seattle Times

The garrison was a mud-walled structure wedged between two rock formations, which created a natural barrier.

From Literature

The garrison surrendered only because the men had no water and were literally dying of thirst.

From Literature

Related Words

• command post
• encampment
• fortress
• stronghold