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Fortified words: exploring "bastion" and "bulwark"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 27/10/2024, 19:29
English.me team member
Bastion and bulwark. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "bastion" and "bulwark" refer to structures that provide protection or defense. They are often used metaphorically to describe something that serves to uphold or defend a principle, belief, or system.

What is different?

A "bastion" is specifically a projecting part of a fortification and also can mean an institution or person strongly defending principles. "Bulwark" broadly refers to a defensive wall or a person/institution enhancing defense, not limited to—or necessarily implying—a projecting part.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for bastion) and bulwark

Examples of usage

Bastion
  • The old castle served as a bastion against the invading forces.
  • The organization has been a bastion of free speech for decades.
Bulwark
  • The sea wall acted as a bulwark against the storm surges.
  • Education is considered a bulwark against ignorance and tyranny.