A stronghold is a fortified place or structure that is designed to provide defense and protection, often serving as a base or refuge during times of conflict. Historically, strongholds were castles or fortified positions used by military forces or leaders to protect their territory or assets from attackers. They were often strategically placed on high ground or other defensible locations to maximize security. A stronghold could be a military base, a castle, or even a heavily guarded compound that provides a sense of safety for its occupants. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe any place or group that offers strong defense or dominance over others, such as a business stronghold or political stronghold. Strongholds were built with thick walls, towers, and gates to prevent breaches, often including moats and other barriers to enhance security. In modern times, the concept of a stronghold can extend to places of authority or influence, such as a city, region, or organization where power is concentrated. While the term originally referred to physical fortifications, it is also used in figurative contexts to describe entities that are difficult to challenge or overcome.
Here are 10 sentences using the word “stronghold”:
- The fortress acted as a stronghold for the king’s army during the siege.
- They retreated to their stronghold, hoping to defend their land from invaders.
- The castle was a stronghold in the region, protecting the villagers from attacks.
- The rebels made the abandoned fort their new stronghold, planning their next move.
- The company’s headquarters became the stronghold of innovation in the tech industry.
- The city had been the political stronghold of the ruling party for decades.
- The high mountain was the perfect location for a stronghold, offering a natural defense.
- The enemy attacked the stronghold hoping to break the resistance, but they were repelled.
- They built a modern stronghold in the remote area, ensuring no one could find it.
- The stronghold was impregnable, with walls too thick for any weapon to penetrate.
Synonyms for “Stronghold”:
- Fortress
- Bastion
- Fort
- Citadel
- Castle
- Redoubt
- Keep
- Safehouse
- Fortification
- Rampart
Antonyms for “Stronghold”:
- Weak point
- Vulnerable area
- Open space
- Outpost
- Exposure
- Breach
- Unprotected area
Related words:
- Defense
- Fortification
- Siege
- Bastion
- Guard
- Security
- Citadel
- Garrison
- Invasion
- Outpost
Phrasal verbs:
- Hold out in the stronghold (to resist or defend from within a strong position)
- Break into a stronghold (to infiltrate or breach a fortified position)
- Retreat to the stronghold (to fall back to a secure location)
Idiomatic expressions:
- Fortress of strength (used metaphorically to describe a person or entity that is extremely strong or unyielding)
- At the stronghold of power (refers to being at the central place where authority or control is concentrated)
- A stronghold of influence (used to describe an entity or region where power, control, or influence is concentrated and difficult to overcome)
- Under the stronghold of (suggests being under the protection or control of a dominant force or leader)