garrison

UK: ˈɡærɪsən | US: ˈɡærɪsən

Definition

  1. n. a body of troops stationed in a fortified place

  2. vt. to station troops in a place for defensive purposes

Structure
garri <to protect, from Old French *garir*>son <noun suffix, from Old French *-on*>
Etymology

The word "garrison" traces back to Old French garison (meaning "protection" or "defense"), derived from the verb garir ("to protect"). The suffix -on was commonly used to form nouns. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote troops stationed for defense, reflecting its original root in safeguarding. The spelling shifted slightly to "garrison" in Middle English before simplifying to its current form.

Examples

  1. The garrison defended the castle against the invading army.

  2. Soldiers were garrisoned in the town during the war.

  3. The ancient garrison overlooked the valley.

  4. The king ordered a garrison to secure the border.

  5. The small garrison held out for months under siege.