bastion
BASS-tee-un
/ˈbæstiən/
A projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to allow defensive fire in several directions; figuratively, a stronghold or defender of principles.
Architecturally, a pointed outer angle allowing guns to cover flanking walls; metaphorically, an institution or person preserving traditional values.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'bastien' (to build), which came from Old Provençal 'bastida' (building/fortification). It gained popular military sense in Renaissance Italy as star-forts (trace italienne) used angular projections to eliminate blind spots for artillery.
Word relationships
- bulwark: Bulwark emphasizes a protective barrier, whereas bastion specifically implies a projecting angular platform or staunch defender.
- projection: Projection is any sticking-out part, lacking the military defensive structure of a bastion.
- weakness: A point of vulnerability rather than defense.
- breach: A hole or gap in a wall.
Commonly confused with
- citadel: A citadel is an entire inner castle, whereas a bastion is a single angular projection along a fortress wall.
Word family
- bastioned (adjective): Furnished with bastions.
Collocations
- bastion of democracy
- corner bastion
- bastion of hope
Example sentences
- "Gunners positioned on the angular bastion could fire along the outer face of the main curtain wall." Architectural feature
- "The library remained a bastion of truth in an era dominated by sensationalized propaganda." Figurative protection of values
Memory hook
BASTION = BASE that STICKS OUT to shield the wall. Angular projection wall to shoot side enemies.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a moat or trench; a bastion projects outward from a wall.
Fun facts
- Star forts were developed with triangular bastions because rounded towers created dead zones that cannons could not reach.
Explore more words
fortification, buttress, fortress, garrison, citadel, cantilever
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