# fortification

/ˌfɔɹtəfəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /fˌɔːtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fortification
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a strong building or wall built to protect a place from enemies. It can also mean the act of making a place stronger to defend it.

For teachers: a structure or system of structures designed to protect a location from attack; the act of reinforcing a position with defensive works.

## Examples

- The city built a new fortification to keep out the invaders.
- Historians studied the medieval fortification to understand how the castle withstood the siege for three months.
- The strategic placement of the fortification allowed the defenders to control the narrow mountain pass and prevent any large-scale movement of enemy troops.

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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.