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

• bastion
• castle
• citadel
• fastness
• fort
• fortress
• hold
• redoubt
• stronghold

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 recent temporary deployment to Australia follows a Pentagon report on Chinese military power, which assessed that Beijing has expanded its ballistic missile force capable of striking U.S. military bases in Japan—including airfields lacking fortifications to protect aircraft. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

The castle-building mechanic is particularly praised for its flexibility, allowing players to design intricate fortifications that feel personal and functional. —Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025

City of David archaeology excavation of city's walls, moat Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University have uncovered fortifications that help reassess the limits of the ancient city of Jerusalem. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025

Nowadays, more than 10 million people come and marvel at the fortification. —Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 Apr. 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