fort
UK: fɔːt | US: fɔːrt
n. a strong or fortified place, especially a small military post
n. (historical) a permanent army post
n. (figurative) a place of security or refuge
The word "fort" traces back to the Latin fortis ("strong"), reflecting its core meaning of strength and defense. It entered English via Old French fort (a fortified place), retaining the original Latin root's sense of resilience. The term evolved to specifically denote military strongholds, emphasizing physical protection—a logical progression from "strength" to "a place built for strength."
The soldiers retreated to the fort for safety.
Ancient forts were often built on hilltops for strategic advantage.
The old stone fort withstood centuries of battles.
They converted the abandoned fort into a museum.
In winter, the mountain cabin felt like a cozy fort against the storm.