fortification

noun

for·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌfȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce fortification (audio)
1
: an act or process of fortifying
2
: something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens
especially : works erected to defend a place or position

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages, many European cities were entirely enclosed by sturdy walls, with walkways along the top and towers at intervals, designed to make an invasion impossible. A water-filled ditch, or moat, might run alongside the wall for added defense. Such defenses turned the entire city into a fort, or fortress. Over the centuries, fortifications changed steadily with the development of new weaponry. In World War II, the German fortification of the French coast included antitank barriers, bunkers, minefields, and underwater obstacles, but it wasn't enough to turn back the immense force of the Allied invasion on D-day.

Examples of fortification in a Sentence

They began the fortification and reconstruction of the city. defenders at the border fortifications preparing for an attack
Recent Examples on the Web Pier protection is any structural fortification at or around a bridge support designed to prevent or mitigate a collision. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2024 Their position got some fortification Wednesday, when yet another economic report showed that pending home sales surged a stunning 4.8% in June, defying expectations for a 1% increase. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 July 2024 The invention of gunpowder in the ninth century AD led to the use of explosives and firearms; in response, defenders built stronger fortifications and placed a greater emphasis on producing weapons. Mark A. Milley, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2024 During medieval times, Trenčín had a fortification system with walls, defensive towers and a castle, Drahoslav Hulínek, the project’s lead archaeologist, said in the release. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for fortification 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fortification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortification was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fortification

Cite this Entry

“Fortification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortification. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

fortification

noun
for·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌfȯrt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce fortification (audio)
1
: the act of fortifying
2
: a construction built for defense
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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