Stronghold
/ˈstrɔːŋˌhoʊld/noun
A fortified place or a position that provides security and protection.
Did you know?The word combines Old English terms for physical strength and holding fast, reflecting how fortresses were imagined as places that literally grasped and resisted attack.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*strengʰ-
“Tight, narrow, or drawn taut; the root associated with strength and tension.”
Proto-Germanic
Germanic
*strangaz
“Strong, firm, or powerful.”
Old English
Old English
strang
“Strong, powerful, or physically robust.”
Old English
Old English
healdan
“To hold, keep, guard, or possess.”
13th Century
Middle English
stronghold
“A fortified place or defensive refuge.”
Modern English
English
stronghold
“A fortress, secure base, or powerful center of support.”