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noun Uncommon

stronghold

STRONG-hohld

Stronghold (noun) means a fortified place built to resist attack. Example: “The castle served as a stronghold against invading forces for centuries.”

noun
1
A fortified place built to resist attack.
"The castle served as a stronghold against invading forces for centuries."
2
A place or area where a particular group, idea, or belief is dominant.
"The region remains a stronghold of the opposition party."

How to use stronghold

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fortress, or figuratively, an area where a group or idea dominates.

Common pairings
rebel stronghold political stronghold

Word forms

strongholds plural

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The castle served as a _____ against invading forces for centuries.

Etymology

From Middle English strong-hold, a compound of strong and hold ("grip, control") — literally "a place held strongly."

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “stronghold” mean?

The word “stronghold” means a fortified place built to resist attack. In plain terms, a fortress, or figuratively, an area where a group or idea dominates.

How do you pronounce “stronghold”?

“Stronghold” is pronounced STRONG-hohld (/ˈstɹɔŋˌhoʊld/ in IPA).

How do you use “stronghold” in a sentence?

Here is “stronghold” used in a sentence: “The castle served as a stronghold against invading forces for centuries.”

What part of speech is “stronghold”?

“Stronghold” is a noun.

Where does the word “stronghold” come from?

The word “stronghold” comes from Middle English. From Middle English strong-hold, a compound of strong and hold ("grip, control") — literally "a place held strongly.".

Is “stronghold” a common word?

“Stronghold” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “stronghold” have?

“Stronghold” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fortified place built to resist attack.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial