/ ˌfɔːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn; NAmE ˌfɔːrt-/ noun
1.
[ C , usually pl. ] a tower, wall, gun position, etc. built to defend a place against attack :
the ramparts and fortifications of the Old Town
2.
[ U ] the act of fortifying or making sth stronger :
plans for the fortification of the city
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via French from late Latin fortificatio(n-) , from fortificare , from Latin fortis strong.