Fortress

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Fortress

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FOR-truss  /ˈfɔːtrəs/

Definition

A large, heavily fortified building or town; a place made secure against attack. As a verb (rare): to furnish with or as if with a fortress.

Plain meaning

A fortress is a very strongly built and defended place — a massive fortification designed to withstand siege and attack.

Register

Neutral in historical and military contexts. Carries dramatic and emphatic weight in metaphorical use.