English vocabulary · B2
Bastion
/ˈbæs.tʃən/ · n.
It means a strong place or person that protects and defends something important. It is the last strong line of defense.
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Example sentences
- The university is a bastion of independent thought.
- She became a bastion of hope for her community.
Word origin and roots
from Italian
- bastione — fortified tower (from Italian)
Synonyms and nuances
- STRONGHOLD — a strong, safe place (A physical place of strength)
- FORTRESS — a large, strong building (Built to resist attack)
- PILLAR — a main supporter (A key support for a group)
Similar words
- stronghold
- fortress
- citadel
Lesson notes
Bastion. It means a strong place or person that protects and defends something important. It is the last strong line of defense.
Similar words are stronghold, fortress, and pillar. Use bastion when something is the strongest defender of a value or idea.
The university is a bastion of independent thought. She became a bastion of hope for her community.
From Italian. Bastione- means fortified tower. A tower built to protect everything inside — that strong defender is a bastion.