bulwark

n. a strong wall built for defense, often made of earth or stone.

n. a defensive wall or rampart constructed to protect a fortification or city.

“The ancient city was protected by a massive stone bulwark that had stood for centuries.”

“The soldiers retreated behind the earthen bulwark as the enemy artillery began its morning bombardment of the outer perimeter.”

Literary

n. a person, law, or idea that protects you from something bad.

n. a person, institution, or principle that acts as a safeguard or defense against undesirable influences or threats.

“Free speech is often seen as a bulwark of democracy.”

“The central bank serves as a bulwark against economic instability, intervening when market volatility threatens the national currency.”

Formal · Academic

n. the side of a ship that rises above the deck to keep people from falling into the water.

n. the extension of a ship's side above the level of the deck, serving as a railing to prevent passengers and crew from being washed overboard.

“He leaned against the ship's bulwark and watched the waves crash against the side.”

“Heavy seas crashed over the bow, but the reinforced bulwarks prevented the deck from being completely flooded during the storm.”

Technical

v. to protect something or make it stronger against an attack.

v. to fortify or provide with a defense; to act as a protective barrier for something.

“The government tried to bulwark the economy against the effects of the war.”

“The treaty was designed to bulwark the small nation's sovereignty against the territorial ambitions of its larger neighbours.”

Literary · Formal