noun
citadel
SIH-tuh-duhl
noun
1
A fortress, often built on high ground, that protects or overlooks a city.
"The citadel had guarded the city for over five centuries."
2
Any stronghold or heavily protected place, used figuratively.
"The bank's headquarters was a citadel of old money and tradition."
How to Use Citadel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fortress defending a city, or figuratively anything seen as a stronghold.
Common pairings
ancient citadel
citadel of power
Word Forms
citadels plural
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The _____ had guarded the city for over five centuries.
Etymology
From French citadelle, from Italian cittadella, a diminutive of città ("city"), from Latin civitas.