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Definition of stronghold

stronghold

/ˈstrɔːŋ.hoʊld/
strong · hold
Plural:strongholds
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stronghold Lexical Profile

stronghold Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A place or region where a particular cause, belief, political movement, or group is especially well-established and strongly supported.

Example

"The university town has long been a stronghold of environmental activism and progressive policy."

2

A place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack, such as a fortress, castle, or citadel.

Example

"The ancient stone stronghold stood high on the cliff overlooking the coastal valley."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for stronghold

• Nearby Words

strong
strongarm
strongbox
stronghold
strongish
strongly
strongman

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of the adjective 'strong' and the noun 'hold' in its historical sense of a fortified place or refuge, derived from Old English 'geheald' (meaning protection or custody).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stronghold. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stronghold
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