fortress

noun

for·​tress ˈfȯr-trəs 

: a fortified place : stronghold

especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town

fortresslike

ˈfȯr-trəs-līk 

adjective

Synonyms of fortress

• stronghold
• citadel
• fortification
• castle
• bastion
• fort

Examples of fortress in a Sentence

the boys built a snow fortress and then challenged the neighborhood kids to an in-your-face snowball fight

Recent Examples on the Web

The Roman city of Cologne and a legionary fortress in Bonn were also nearby — raising the possibility of a military connection. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Supporters of the movement gathered in New Delhi Saturday despite the capital turning into a fortress to keep out protesters. — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

The Magnificent Seven companies are among the biggest beneficiaries of the shift, given their fortress balance sheets. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

The structures include monasteries and fortresses that showcase the reign of the Lombards, who played a major role in the development of medieval European Christianity. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English forteresse, from Anglo-French fortelesce, forteresse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fortress

noun

for·​tress ˈfȯr-trəs 

: a fortified place