stronghold

[ strawng-hohld, strong- ]

noun

1. a well-fortified place; fortress.

   Synonyms: bastion, bulwark

2. a place that serves as the center of a group, as of militants or of persons holding hold holding a controversial viewpoint:

   The campus was a stronghold of liberalism.

   Synonyms: refuge, home, bastion, bulwark

stronghold

/ ˈstrɒŋˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a defensible place; fortress
2. a major centre or area of predominance

Word History and Origins

Origin of stronghold¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; strong, hold ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stronghold¹

C15: from strong + hold ¹(in the archaic sense: a fortified place)

Example Sentences

But the Democratic Party didn’t just miss the mark with voters in swing states and Republican strongholds.

From Los Angeles Times

Energy-rich Saudi Arabia is slowly strengthening its stronghold of boxing and paying fighters – some with lesser profiles than Taylor or Serrano – handsomely.

From BBC

Early on election day in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, a Republican stronghold, there were problems with voting machines malfunctioning.

From BBC

Arizona was, for a time, a Republican stronghold.

From BBC

Writing about the election results, he noted a poll from New York City last month, which indicated Trump making major inroads in the traditional Democratic stronghold.

From BBC

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• garrison
• redoubt