fortress

[ fawr-tris ]

noun

1. a large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town; citadel.
2. any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

fortress

/ ˈfɔːtrɪs /

noun

1. a large fort or fortified town
2. a place or source of refuge or support

verb

1. tr to protect with or as if with a fortress

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortress¹

1300–50; Middle English forteresse < Old French < Vulgar Latin *fortaricia (compare Medieval Latin fortalitia ), equivalent to Latin fort ( is ) strong + -ar-, formative of uncertain meaning +- icia -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortress¹

C13: from Old French forteresse , from Medieval Latin fortalitia , from Latin fortis strong

Related Words

• barrier
• citadel
• garrison
• rampart