Moat

A deep, wide ditch, usually filled with water, surrounding a castle, fort, building, or town, serving as a defensive barrier against attack. It often served as a deterrent, making it difficult for enemies to breach the fortifications and gain access. Historically, moats were crucial defensive features, and were further enhanced with other defensive measures such as drawbridges, fortified gatehouses, and defensive towers. They were also used for sanitation and as a source of water. The term can be used figuratively to describe any barrier, physical or metaphorical, that separates or protects something from external threats or influences, or a protective barrier for something that may become valuable in the future.

Moat meaning with examples

• The imposing castle was protected by a wide, water-filled moat, which was a daunting obstacle for any invading army, which they would have to navigate if they were to enter the stronghold. The moat made the castle virtually impregnable. The moat's deep, dark water hid sharp objects to keep the enemy from getting to the castle.
• During the siege, the attackers attempted to breach the moat by filling it with wood and debris, trying to create a bridge to cross the moat and reach the castle walls. This became a desperate measure taken by the attackers to find a way to enter the castle walls, and so they did so.
• The corporation's strong intellectual property and exclusive market position created a significant moat, safeguarding it from competition for many years. This moat allowed the corporation to thrive and maintain its profits from those competitors.
• The homeowners association constructed a decorative moat around the perimeter of the gated community, a visual boundary intended to enhance security and maintain its exclusivity. This acted as a moat to protect their neighborhood.
• The software company developed a complex encryption system, a technological moat around its data, protecting it from hackers and unauthorized access. This provided a moat for keeping their data from hackers.