fortification

noun

for·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌfȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an act or process of fortifying

2

: something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens

especially : works erected to defend a place or position

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages, many European cities were entirely enclosed by sturdy walls, with walkways along the top and towers at intervals, designed to make an invasion impossible. A water-filled ditch, or moat, might run alongside the wall for added defense. Such defenses turned the entire city into a fort, or fortress. Over the centuries, fortifications changed steadily with the development of new weaponry. In World War II, the German fortification of the French coast included antitank barriers, bunkers, minefields, and underwater obstacles, but it wasn't enough to turn back the immense force of the Allied invasion on D-day.

Synonyms of fortification

• fortress
• stronghold
• citadel
• bastion
• castle
• fort

Examples of fortification in a Sentence

They began the fortification and reconstruction of the city.

defenders at the border fortifications preparing for an attack

Recent Examples on the Web

The plan would also give Russia the Donbas region, comprised of Luhansk and Donetsk, which contain Ukraine's strongest fortifications. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Footage shows troops conducting shooting drills, anti-tank fortifications in Caracas, and militia members posing with weapons. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

But Schliemann dug up walls, fortifications and artifacts that proved Troy's existence — as well as the remnants of its conflicts. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025

In addition to needing a lot of moisture to stay healthy, curly hair can also benefit from some structural fortification—which is where protein treatments, such as Olaplex Hair Perfector and K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, come in. —Zoë Weiner, Glamour, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fortification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

fortification

noun

for·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌfȯrt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of fortifying

2

: a construction built for defense