bulwark

noun bul·wark \ ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk , -ˌwȯrk ; ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk ; sense 3 also ˈbə-ˌläk \

|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Examples: bulwark in a Sentence

Definition of bulwark

1 a : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampart

b : breakwater, seawall

building a bulwark in the harbor

2 : a strong support or protection

democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny

a bulwark of freedom

3 nautical : the side of a ship above the upper deck —usually used in plural

See bulwark defined for English-language learners

See bulwark defined for kids

Examples of bulwark in a Sentence

democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny

Recent Examples of bulwark from the Web

Such ruptures in the government are unfamiliar in Germany, where Ms. Merkel has ruled as chancellor for more than 12 years and in recent times has been the bulwark of stability as the European Union lurched from one crisis to another.

— james marson, WSJ, "Future of Germany’s Angela Merkel in Question After Coalition Allies Reject Migration Deal," 1 July 2018
In the 1950s and ’60s, the country was a bulwark against the communist fervor sweeping Southeast Asia, and during the Vietnam War, Bangkok was a vital staging post for U.S. troops.

— Time, "Thailand’s Leader Promised to Restore Democracy. Instead He's Tightening His Grip," 21 June 2018
Her Christian Democrats are a bulwark against calls to expel his Fidesz party from the European People’s Party, the umbrella group of the continent’s centre-right.

— The Economist, "Germany’s troubled relations with the Visegrad states show the limits to its power," 14 June 2018
The state’s Assembly has long been a bulwark of liberal ideals.

— danny hakim, BostonGlobe.com, "New York attorney general seeks power to bypass presidential pardons," 18 Apr. 2018
Turkey hopes its weight will lure Washington away from the alliance with the Kurds to rely on it as a bulwark against Iranian influence in Syria.

— sarah el deeb, Fox News, "Blurring the border, Turkey deepens roots in northern Syria," 19 June 2018
Turkey hopes its weight will lure Washington away from the alliance with the Kurds to rely on it as a bulwark against Iranian influence in Syria.

— Washington Post, "Blurring the border, Turkey deepens roots in northern Syria," 19 June 2018
Arguello says that this new policy bulwark has prevented several landlords from kicking out existing businesses.

— jonathan kauffman, SFChronicle.com, "Is 24th Street’s Latino Cultural District enough to stop gentrification?," 15 June 2018
The law must remain our bulwark, morality a sweet frosting.

— fay vincent, WSJ, "At the CIA, Immorality Is Part of the Job," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bulwark.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bulwark

Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

bulwark

verb

Definition of bulwark

bulwarked; bulwarking; bulwarks

transitive verb

: to fortify or safeguard with a bulwark

ability to bulwark a moral choice
—Margaret Mead

Examples of bulwark in a Sentence

vowed to use any means necessary to bulwark the country agai nst a terrorist attack

Recent Examples of bulwark from the Web

Even Einstein, the prototypical loner, was bulwarked by a vast correspondence of arguing and discussion.

— dennis overbye, New York Times, "Bob Dylan Won. But in Science, the Times They Aren’t A-Changin’.," 31 Oct. 2016

Origin and Etymology of bulwark

see ¹bulwark

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

bulwark Synonyms

Phrases

stand up for;

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

BULWARK Defined for English Language Learners

bulwark

noun

Definition of bulwark for English Language Learners

: something that provides protection for or against something
: a wall that is built for protection
: a wall that is part of a ship's sides and that is above the ship's upper deck

BULWARK Defined for Kids

bulwark

noun bul·wark \ ˈbu̇l-wərk \

Definition of bulwark for Students

1 : a solid structure like a wall built for defense against an enemy

2 : something that defends or protects

Learn More about bulwark

See words that rhyme with bulwark Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bulwark Spanish Central: Translation of bulwark Nglish: Translation of bulwark for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bulwark for Arabic speakers

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bulwark

Definition of bulwark

Examples of bulwark in a Sentence

Recent Examples of bulwark from the Web

Origin and Etymology of bulwark

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bulwark

Definition of bulwark

Examples of bulwark in a Sentence

Recent Examples of bulwark from the Web

Origin and Etymology of bulwark

bulwark Synonyms

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BULWARK Defined for English Language Learners

bulwark

Definition of bulwark for English Language Learners

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bulwark

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