I. ˈfȯr.trə̇s, ˈfȯ(ə)t- noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English forteresse, fortresse, from Middle French fortelesce, forteresce, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong — more at fort
1. : a fortified place : stronghold ; especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town
2. : a center or source of assurance or protection : a refuge or support
they meet in freedom and in peace, and, meeting so, are an earnest and a prayer and … a fortress — Bernard DeVoto
: a region (as central Europe) dominated by a single military power and regarded as an impregnable stronghold
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to furnish or protect with or as if with a fortress : fortify