Breastwork

A breastwork refers to a temporary fortification or defensive structure built to protect soldiers from enemy fire, typically consisting of earthworks, sandbags, or wooden barriers. It is named for its height, which is roughly at the level of a soldier's chest. The term is often used in military contexts and is significant in strategies regarding positioning and field defenses.

Breastwork meaning with examples

• During the battle, the troops hastily constructed a makeshift breastwork from available debris to shield themselves from the enemy’s gunfire, allowing them to regroup and devise a counterattack strategy while minimizing casualties.
• As the siege progressed, the defenders improved their breastwork, reinforcing it with additional layers of earth and timber to better withstand the enemy assaults, ultimately creating a formidable barrier that protected their front lines.
• The historical reenactment featured authentic breastworks made from straw bales and canvas, illustrating how soldiers in the past relied on such structures for protection during conflicts, demonstrating the ingenuity of past military strategies.
• After surveying the terrain, the commanding officer ordered the construction of a breastwork along the ridge, recognizing its strategic importance in providing cover, which could turn the tide of the ongoing battle in favor of his troops.