Vocabulary Spotlight
Bastion
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A stronghold or well-fortified place; a source of protection or defense.
“The library stood as a bastion of knowledge and learning in the community.”
Pronunciation
[bas-chuhn]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Stronghold
Bulwark
Citadel
Defender
Antonyms
Vulnerability
Insecurity
Exposure
Defeat
Related Words
Protector
Safeguard
Word Origin
The word “bastion” originates from the French word “bastille,” meaning a fortified place. This term has its roots in the Old French word “bastir,” meaning “to build or fortify,” emphasizing its association with protection and strength.
Word Family
Noun: Bastion – A defensive or protective structure.
Related Verb: Bastionize – To make into or transform into a bastion.
Mnemonics
Think of “Bastion” as “Base Station” – a protected place that provides defense and support.
Industry-specific Usage
Military
A bastion is a fortified position that allows defenders to protect a specific area, crucial in traditional and modern military strategy.
Environment
Natural reserves serve as bastions for endangered species, offering protection and promoting biodiversity.
Politics
A bastion in politics refers to an area or group that strongly supports a specific ideology, often resisting outside influences.
In Context
The concept of a bastion extends beyond physical structures; it is often used metaphorically to describe anything that offers strength, support, or resistance to challenges. Educational institutions, for example, are seen as bastions of knowledge, while some communities may act as bastions of tradition or culture.