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bulwark
6 dictionary results for: bulwark
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
bul·wark 
[bool-werk, -wawrk, buhl-] Pronunciation Key
[bool-werk, -wawrk, buhl-] Pronunciation Key –noun
–verb (used with object)
| 1. | a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart. |
| 2. | any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance: The new dam was a bulwark against future floods. |
| 3. | any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt: Religion was his bulwark. |
| 4. | Usually, bulwarks. Nautical. a solid wall enclosing the perimeter of a weather or main deck for the protection of persons or objects on deck. |
| 5. | to fortify or protect with a bulwark; secure by or as if by a fortification. |
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
| bul·wark
(bŏŏl'wərk, -wôrk', bŭl'-) Pronunciation Key
n.
tr.v. bul·warked, bul·wark·ing, bul·warks
[Middle English bulwerk, from Middle Dutch bolwerk, from Middle High German bolwerc : bole, plank; see bhel-2 in Indo-European roots + werc, work (from Old High German; see werg- in Indo-European roots).] Synonyms: These nouns refer literally to structures used as a defense against attack. A bulwark can be a mound of earth, an embankment, or a wall-like fortification. Barricade usually implies hasty construction to meet an imminent threat. Breastwork denotes a low defensive wall, especially a temporary one hurriedly built. Earthwork is a defensive construction of earth. A rampart, the main defensive structure around a guarded place, is permanent, high, and broad. A bastion is a projecting section of a fortification from which defenders have a wide range of view and fire. Parapet applies to any low fortification, typically a wall atop a rampart. Of these words bulwark and bastion are the most frequently used to refer figuratively to something regarded as being a safeguard or a source of protection: "The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over its government" (Franklin D. Roosevelt). A free press is one of the bastions of a democracy. |
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
bulwark
bulwark
c.1416, from M.Du. bulwerke or M.H.G. bolwerc, from bole "plank, tree trunk" + werc "work." Figurative sense is from 1577.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
| bulwark | |
noun | |
| 1. | an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes; "they stormed the ramparts of the city"; "they blew the trumpet and the walls came tumbling down" [syn: rampart] |
| 2. | a fencelike structure around a deck (usually plural) |
| 3. | a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away [syn: breakwater] |
verb | |
| 1. | defend with a bulwark |
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
Bulwark
Bul"wark\, n. [Akin to D. bolwerk, G. bollwerk, Sw. bolwerk, Dan. bolv["a]rk, bulv["a]rk, rampart; akin to G. bohle plank, and werk work, defense. See Bole stem, and Work, n., and cf. Boulevard.]1. (Fort.) A rampart; a fortification; a bastion or outwork. 2. That which secures against an enemy, or defends from attack; any means of defense or protection. The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense, . . . the floating bulwark of our island. --Blackstone. 3. pl. (Naut.) The sides of a ship above the upper deck. Syn: See Rampart.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
Bulwark
Bul"wark\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bulwarked; p. pr. & vb.n. Bulwarking.] To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect. Of some proud city, bulwarked round and armed With rising towers. --Glover.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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