I. ˈbu̇l_wə(r)k; ˈbu̇lˌwərk, -ˌwə̄k, -ˌwəik; ˈbu̇lˌwȯrk, -ȯ(ə)k; ˈbu̇lˌwärk, -wȧk; also ˈbəl_wə(r)k or ˈbəlˌwərk or ˈbəlˌwə̄k or ˈbəlˌwəik noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch, from Middle High German bolwerc, from bole plank + werc work, from Old High German; akin to Old Norse bolr tree-trunk — more at bole , work
1.
a. : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense usually not too high for the defenders to fire over : rampart , parapet
b. : breakwater , seawall
2. : something that offers strong support or protection in danger : a powerful means of defense : an imposing safeguard
a strong representative government is a bulwark of liberty
3. : the side of a ship above the upper deck — usually used in plural; see ship illustration
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English bulwerken, from bulwerke, n.
: to fortify, secure, or reinforce with or as if with a bulwark : protect
ability to bulwark a moral choice — Margaret Mead
trying to bulwark the country against internal disorder