# bastion

/ˈbæstʃən/ (US) · /bˈæstiən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bastion
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a strong place that protects something important, like a belief or a tradition. You use it to describe something that stands firm against change or attack.

For teachers: a stronghold or defensive position; figuratively, a person or institution that vigorously defends a particular principle or tradition.

## Examples

- The library is a bastion of local history.
- The university remains a bastion of academic freedom despite recent political pressure.
- In an era of rapid digital transformation, the old publishing house stood as a bastion of traditional literary values.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.