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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This method enables employees to cultivate resistance over time and pinpoint specific areas that require fortification. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 At the same, Russia has quickly constructed fortifications deeper in Kursk. Michael Kofman, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2024 But on the eastern side, they’re getting massacred by Ukrainian troops firing from fortifications the Ukrainians apparently captured from the Russians back in August. David Axe, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 One soldier, callsign Fin, said Russia’s fortifications were built very well, combining different types of defensive measures – for example by placing mines underneath the anti-tank obstacles known as dragon’s teeth. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fortification 

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 30 Nov. 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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