First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
fortress
fortress
noun for·tress \ˈfȯr-trəs\
: a place that is protected against attack : a fortified place
Full Definition of FORTRESS
: a fortified place : stronghold; especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town
— for·tress·like \-līk\ adjective
See fortress defined for English-language learners
See fortress defined for kids
Examples of FORTRESS
- <the boys built a snow fortress and then challenged the neighborhood kids to an in-your-face snowball fight>
Origin of FORTRESS
Middle English forteresse, from Anglo-French fortelesce, forteresse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong
Related to FORTRESS
- Synonyms
- bastion, castle, citadel, fastness, fortification, fort, hold, redoubt, stronghold
Learn More About FORTRESS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: fort royalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: FORTRANAll Words Near: fortress
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up fortress? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).