redoubt
rih-DOUT
/rɪˈdaʊt/
A temporary or supplementary fortification, usually square or polygonal and without bastions; a stronghold or refuge.
An isolated outer defense work or a secondary refuge inside a larger fortress where defenders make a last stand.
The story behind the word. From French 'redoute', from Italian 'ridotto', derived from Medieval Latin 'reductus' (place of retreat, from 're-' back + 'ducere' to lead). The silent 'b' was mistakenly added in English by scholars who incorrectly thought it was related to 'doubt'!
Word relationships
- outwork: An outwork is any fortification constructed outside the main wall, of which a redoubt is a specific type.
- stronghold: A general term for any well-fortified place.
- exposed position: A location with no structural defense or cover.
Commonly confused with
- redoubtable: Redoubtable means formidable or inspiring fear, derived from douter (to fear), whereas redoubt is a fort derived from reductus (withdrawn).
Collocations
- earthen redoubt
- mountain redoubt
- defensive redoubt
Example sentences
- "Colonial forces held the earthen redoubt atop Breed's Hill until their ammunition was exhausted." Historical battle tactics
- "The isolated mountain cabin served as his private redoubt away from the stress of city life." Figurative sanctuary
Memory hook
REDOUBT: REDUCE into a safe sanctuary where troops can RE-GROUP. Isolated fallback fort to retreat into.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'doubt' (uncertainty); the 'b' in spelling was added by historical error.
Fun facts
- The silent 'b' in redoubt is a pure etymological mistake made in the 17th century by English scribes confused by Latin spelling!
Explore more words
fortress, fortification, citadel, garrison, buttress, supplementary
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