# Garrison

/ˈɡæɹɪsən/ (US) · /ɡˈæɹɪsən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/garrison
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. stationed troops

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a group of soldiers who are stationed in a town or building to protect it.

For teachers: a body of troops stationed in a fortified place or town for the purpose of defending it.

- The local garrison was called in to help the town after the heavy floods.
- The commander ordered the garrison to remain on high alert throughout the night, fearing a surprise offensive from the northern border.

### 2. military post

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the building or fort where a group of soldiers lives and works.

For teachers: a permanent military post or the buildings occupied by troops.

- The old garrison on the hill is now a museum for tourists.
- Strategically positioned at the mouth of the river, the garrison served as the primary defensive hub for the entire coastal region.

### 3. to station troops

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to put a group of soldiers in a place so they can defend it.

For teachers: to station troops in a particular place for defensive purposes; to provide a place with a body of soldiers.

- The government decided to garrison the border towns to keep the citizens safe.
- The general intended to garrison the captured fortress with two battalions of infantry to ensure the supply lines remained secure.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the location being defended.

## Examples

- The garrison stayed inside the fort during the long winter.
- The king sent a small garrison to protect the border town from potential raids.
- Historical records indicate that the garrison was poorly supplied, leading to a swift surrender when the enemy forces finally breached the outer walls of the citadel.

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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.