outpost
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small military camp or building that is far away from the main army to watch for enemies.
a military station established at a distance from the main body of troops to prevent surprises or monitor enemy movement.
Simple“The soldiers at the desert outpost watched the horizon for any signs of movement.”
In context“The remote mountain outpost served as an early warning system, allowing the main garrison to prepare for any potential incursions from the border.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small town or office in a distant place, often far from other people.
an outlying settlement or branch of an organisation located in a remote or sparsely populated area.
Simple“The company opened a small trading outpost in the northern forest.”
In context“What began as a lonely scientific outpost eventually grew into a permanent research station housing dozens of international experts.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a square on the board that is protected by your pieces and hard for the opponent to attack.
a square, usually on the fifth or sixth rank, that is protected by a pawn and cannot be easily attacked by an enemy pawn.
Simple“The player moved his knight to a strong outpost in the centre of the board.”
In context“By establishing a knight on the d5 outpost, White exerted significant pressure on the opponent's kingside throughout the middle game.”
Synonyms
Usage outpost nearby
“Many of the small ad-hoc settler outposts that have mushroomed around al-Mughayyir are illegal under Israeli law too.”
“By Peace Now’s latest count, of the approximately 390 illegal outposts and farms across the West Bank, at least 21 sit in Area B.”
From out- + post.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.