What does stronghold mean?
A stronghold is a fortified place or position that is strongly defended, especially a military base or castle designed to withstand attack. The word can also refer figuratively to a place where a person, organization, political movement, or idea has strong support and influence. Phrases such as “a stronghold of resistance” and “a stronghold of support” are common, with the word suggesting concentration, security, and power. Historically, strongholds were central to medieval warfare, providing protected positions from which soldiers could launch campaigns or resist an enemy. Today, the figurative use is at least as common as the military one and is often used to describe ideological or political centers of influence.
A fortified place or position that is strongly defended, especially one used for military defense.
"The soldiers retreated to the stronghold after the outer defenses were breached."
This sense is primarily historical or military in modern usage.
A place where a person, group, movement, or idea has strong support or influence.
"The university was a stronghold of progressive politics."
This figurative sense is common in political, social, and cultural contexts.
The plural is formed by adding “-s”; “strongholds” is used for multiple fortified places or multiple centers of influence.
"The region contains several former strongholds that were built to control the surrounding countryside."
A stronghold began as a literal “strong hold”: a defensible position where an army could resist attack.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stronghold come from?
“Stronghold” is a compound formed in Middle English from “strong” and “hold,” meaning a secure or defensible position. The word originally referred to a fortress or fortified place. Its figurative sense developed from the idea of a place where a person or group could safely maintain its power or resist opposition.
How stronghold is actually used
In its figurative sense, “stronghold” often suggests a secure base or a concentration of influence, and is commonly used with phrases such as “a stronghold of support.”