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. 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

/ 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

A stronger relationship between the two Christian denominations is a "bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny," said a statement from the King's spokesman.

Read more on BBC

There will be raking, and pile-making, and paper sacks stuffed with leaves, arrayed along curbs like defensive bulwarks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Minc said Macron had come to office promising to act as a bulwark against the far right but he had left National Rally at the gates of power.

Read more on BBC

Right now, the only bulwark appears to be the lower courts.

Read more on Salon

Some, such as Megiddo, near Jerusalem, were strategic geographical pinch points, control of which served as a bulwark against outside aggression.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bastion 
• fortress 
• mainstay 
• redoubt