# Palladium

/pəˈɫeɪdiəm/ (US) · /pɐlˈeɪdiəm/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

something that provides protection or safety for a group of people. In old stories, it was often a statue that kept a city safe from enemies.

For teachers: a safeguard or source of protection; historically, an image or statue of the goddess Pallas Athena on which the safety of a city was believed to depend.

## Examples

- The free press is often called the palladium of liberty.
- Ancient Troy was believed to be invincible as long as the sacred palladium remained within its city walls.
- Legal scholars argue that the right to a fair trial serves as the ultimate palladium of a democratic society, shielding the individual from the arbitrary exercise of state power.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically in formal or literary contexts to describe abstract concepts like 'liberty' or 'justice'.

---

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.