Bastion

A bastion is a fortified area or stronghold that offers protection. It can refer to a physical structure, like a projecting part of a fortification, designed to provide defensive fire in various directions. More broadly, it signifies any institution, person, or place that staunchly defends or upholds a particular principle, belief, or way of life, especially against perceived threats. It implies a strong and reliable source of support or defense. Metaphorically, it can also represent something that protects or preserves something valuable or vulnerable from harm or attack. A bastion suggests resilience, steadfastness, and a determined resistance against opposing forces or ideologies. Often associated with strength and security, the term is a powerful one when representing a secure position or defending something against opposition.

Bastion meaning with examples

• The castle's towering walls and strategically placed bastions provided formidable defense against enemy sieges. The soldiers stationed within the bastion could fire down on the attackers, protecting the inner fortress. During medieval warfare, the design of the bastion was essential to the castle's ability to survive an attack and ensure those within were safe.
• The university's commitment to free speech was seen as a bastion of intellectual freedom in a society increasingly prone to censorship. The faculty and administration were determined to defend it, protecting the exchange of diverse viewpoints and preserving the right to challenge established ideas. The principle of free thought was always top priority.
• Despite numerous cultural shifts, the family remained a bastion of traditional values, upholding time-honored customs and beliefs. Their gatherings and practices served as a safe space, an unwavering foundation in a changing world. They provided children with a strong sense of belonging and heritage, safeguarding their morals.
• The financial institution acted as a bastion of stability during the economic crisis, safeguarding the savings of countless individuals and businesses. They weathered the storm better than most. Their reserves and careful management provided crucial support, preventing widespread panic and preserving the nation's economy.
• The island served as a natural bastion against harsh weather, sheltering its inhabitants from the strongest storms. The cliffs and surrounding reefs provided a physical barrier, protecting homes and infrastructure. Its location was crucial for its population, acting as a vital shield in their existence.