bastion
UK: ˈbæstiən | US: ˈbæstʃən
n. 1. A projecting part of a fortification, typically angular in shape and positioned at the corners.
n. 2. A person, place, or thing regarded as strongly defending a principle or way of life.
bastion = bast<fortified structure> + ion<noun suffix>
- bast<fortified structure>: Derived from Old Italian bastione, meaning "fortification," which itself comes from bastire (to build). The root traces back to Latin bastum (a fortified tower).
- ion<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating an action, condition, or result (from Latin -io).
Etymology Origin:
The word bastion evolved from military architecture, where it referred to a defensive projection in fortress walls. Its root bast reflects the idea of "building" or "fortifying," while -ion generalizes it into a noun. Over time, it metaphorically expanded to describe anything serving as a stronghold (e.g., "a bastion of democracy").
The ancient castle’s bastion offered a strategic vantage point against invaders.
The university is regarded as a bastion of free speech.
Engineers reinforced the bastion to withstand cannon fire.
Small businesses are the bastion of the local economy.
The coastal town’s bastion protected it from pirate raids.