Citadel
/ˈsɪt.ə.del/noun
A fortress, typically on high ground, that protects a city or serves as its strongest defensive point.
Did you know?Citadel ultimately comes from Latin civitas, “city” — the same root behind civilization, civic, and citizen — showing how a word for community became a symbol of defense and power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
civitas
“citizenship, community, state, city”
Late Latin
Latin
civitatella
“little city”
Old French
Old French
citadelle
“citadel, fortress”
Middle English
English
citadelle
“a fortified city or stronghold”
Modern English
English
citadel
“a fortress, especially one protecting a city”