bulwark
UK: ˈbʊlwək | US: ˈbʊlwərk
n. 1. A defensive wall or barrier, especially one made of earth or other sturdy material.
n. 2. A person, institution, or principle that acts as a strong defense or protection.
bulwark = bul<plank or beam> + wark<work or structure>
- bul (from Middle Dutch bolle or Middle Low German būl, meaning "plank" or "beam")
- wark (from Old English weorc or Old High German werc, meaning "work" or "structure")
Etymology Origin:
The word bulwark originated in the 15th century from Middle Dutch bolwerc or Middle Low German bulwerk, combining "bul" (a beam or plank) and "wark" (a structure or fortification). It originally referred to a wooden defensive barrier, later evolving metaphorically to signify any strong defense or protector. The term reflects the medieval European practice of constructing sturdy wooden or earthen walls to shield against attacks.
The ancient castle was surrounded by a massive bulwark of stone.
Freedom of speech serves as a bulwark against tyranny.
The navy acted as a bulwark for the coastal towns during the war.
She considered education a bulwark against ignorance.
The levee functioned as a bulwark against the flooding river.