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

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

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

Its rich Moorish past has left behind landmarks like the Alcazaba, one of the largest Islamic fortresses in Spain. —Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025

Spoiled views: Residents of a medieval fortress town in Greece are feuding over a plan to build a cable car to the peak, where a beautiful 12th-century church sits. —Justin Porter, New York Times, 28 May 2025

Between the now elderly Iris (Gabrielle Rose), who lives in a isolated fortress deep in the woods, and her recluse and largely absent mother Darlene (Rya Kihlstedt), Stefani’s life has been ruled by disappointing parental figures. —Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 13 May 2025

The concerts take place from late April to mid-September at Castillo Sohail, a 10th-century fortress located by the sea in Fuengirola, Málaga province. —Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 21 May 2025

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