bastion
|bas-tion|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈbæstʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæstɪən/
strong defense
Etymology
Etymology Information
'bastion' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'bastillon,' where 'bastir' meant 'to build.'
Historical Evolution
'bastillon' transformed into the English word 'bastion' during the 16th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a projecting part of a fortification,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'a strong defender or supporter of certain principles.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions.
The soldiers took cover behind the bastion.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45