Langimage
English

fortress

|for-tress|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈfɔrtrəs/

🇬🇧

/ˈfɔːtrəs/

strong, fortified place

Etymology
Etymology Information

'fortress' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'forteresse', where 'fort' meant 'strong'.

Historical Evolution

'forteresse' transformed into the Middle English word 'fortresse', and eventually became the modern English word 'fortress'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a strong place', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a large, fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town; a citadel.

The ancient fortress stood tall against the invaders.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39