fortification

noun

for·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌfȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

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.

Synonyms

• bastion
• castle
• citadel
• fastness
• fort
• fortress
• hold
• redoubt
• stronghold

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

Set to be completed by 2028, the fortifications along the Polish borders include antitank ditches, bunkers, and other obstacles designed to impede and control movement across the border, advanced surveillance systems, electronic warfare and anti-drone measures, and infrastructure development. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff/File A fortification on the banks of the Baleshwar River was built to stop the riverbank from collapsing, Sept. 22, 2023, in Sarankhola, Bangladesh. —Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Nov. 2024

Its fortifications reflect the period of its construction, during France’s religious wars in the 16th century. —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 28 Sep. 2024

Satellite imagery from Planet Labs shows that Russia has built new defensive fortifications around 20 miles from Ukrainian positions in Kursk, near the E38 highway. —Josh Holder, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fortification

noun

for·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌfȯrt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of fortifying

2

: a construction built for defense