ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English strong holde, from strong (I) + holde hold
1. : a fortified place : a place of security or survival : fortress , refuge
one of the last strongholds of the ancient Gaelic language — George Holmes
2. : a place occupied or dominated by a special group or faction
a Puritan stronghold