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

American Samoa offers remote South Pacific coral reefs and volcanic ridges, while Dry Tortugas, accessible only by boat or seaplane, features vibrant marine life and a massive 19th-century coastal fortress, around 70 miles off the coast of Key West. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026

In a floating fortress of 2,000 souls, suspicion spreads and a murder investigation turns into a global security crisis. —John Hopewell, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026

Contempt proceedings, sanctions, compelled disclosures and reputational damage are powerful tools that operate independently of the trust’s legal fortress. —Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

As the current wave of attacks on immigrant and trans life and identity continues, this novel is like a portable fortress of dreams. —Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 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