[boo
l-werk, -wawrk, buhl-] 
| 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. |
| bul·wark (bŏŏl'wərk, -wôrk', bŭl'-) n.
[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. |