garrison
GAIR-uh-suhn
/ˈɡærɪsən/
A body of troops stationed in a fortified place to defend it; also, the fort or military post itself.
Implies a defensive, stationary force tied to a specific location, rather than an active, mobile field army.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'garison', meaning 'defense, safety, or provision', which itself comes from a Germanic root meaning 'to ward off or protect'. Over time, the word shifted from the act of defending a place to the actual body of troops stationed there to guard it.
Word relationships
- fortress: A fortress is the physical structure, while garrison can refer to either the structure or the troops defending it.
- stronghold: A stronghold is any secure place of survival or defense, whereas a garrison specifically involves military troops stationed for defense.
Commonly confused with
- battalion: A battalion is a mobile tactical unit of troops, whereas a garrison is defined by its stationary, defensive role at a specific post.
Word family
- garrisoned (verb (past tense)): Provided with a garrison or stationed in a fort.
Collocations
- garrison town
- station a garrison
- garrison duty
Example sentences
- "The British garrison at Fort Ticonderoga was caught completely off guard by the sudden attack." A history of the American Revolutionary War.
- "Two regiments were left behind to garrison the capital while the main army advanced." Describing the defense of a city.
Memory hook
Think of 'guarding' a 'castle' (garrison). The troops guard the garrison. Guards in a fort.
When not to use
Do not use for mobile forces, cavalry, or troops actively marching or attacking in the field.
Fun facts
- The term 'garrison town' refers to a town whose economy and social life are dominated by the presence of a nearby military base.
Related words
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