Bastion / noun / bas·tion

A bastion is a fortified tower or other structure, typically square or rectangular, used as a defensive position on an elevated spot. Ancient fighters and warring countries used Bastions as the best way to defend against attacks.

It takes a group of people to build bastions, typically with the help of animals. First, the people build an enclosure around themselves and fill it with earth, rocks, or other materials to create a protected area. Then they construct walls or turrets inside the enclosure to protect it from enemies.

A bastion is a fortification as a tower, wall, or other structure used to protect from direct attack. Early bastions were strong points built around forts that allowed for city defenses to be organized more efficiently and offer comfort against long sieges. Bastions also provide a platform for further construction, such as an observatory or treasury.

The foremost drawback of using a bastion for defense is that it can provide little cover for the defenders, forced to expose themselves to enemy fire. In addition, bastions are typically relatively weak structurally and may not withstand prolonged attack.

Etymology

Bastion entered the language around 1600. It comes from the Old French word bastion and the Italian bastione. In the 1600s, these words represented fortification, a bulwark, or defense. The definition of bastion has not changed since it entered the language. It has always represented a square-shaped fortified outbuilding used to protect early forts and used for defense in times of war or military conflicts.

Synonym

Rampart, Bulwark