stronghold

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a place fortified to withstand attack; a fortress

   The hilltop stronghold guarded the river crossing.

2. 2
   noun

   a place where a particular group, belief, or activity is firmly established and dominant

   The district remained a stronghold of the opposition party.

From Middle English strong-hold, combining strong with hold in its sense of a defended place or possession. The figurative sense treats social or political dominance as secure fortification.

Topics