bulwark

1 of 2

noun

bul·​wark ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk How to pronounce bulwark (audio)
-ˌwȯrk;
ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk;
 sense 3 also  ˈbə-ˌläk
1
a
: a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampart
b
: breakwater, seawall
building a bulwark in the harbor
2
: a strong support or protection
democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny
a bulwark of freedom
3
nautical : the side of a ship above the upper deck
usually used in plural

bulwark

2 of 2

verb

bulwarked; bulwarking; bulwarks

transitive verb

: to fortify or safeguard with a bulwark
ability to bulwark a moral choiceMargaret Mead

Examples of bulwark in a Sentence

Noun democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny Verb vowed to use any means necessary to bulwark the country against a terrorist attack
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In fact, the more humiliated and insecure Iran becomes, the more likely the regime in Tehran will see Hezbollah as a necessary bulwark against Israel, especially if the organization manages to restore Iran’s trust in its capabilities. Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024 But the letter from Jeffries — who many hope will be the first Black American to hold the speaker’s gavel — throws into question whether even that bulwark might be developing cracks. Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
Verb
These were not men like Elon Musk fretting about virility as some bulwark against extinction. Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 16 June 2024 This makes Iraq a weak but vital ally and bulwark against Iranian influence. Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2019 See all Example Sentences for bulwark 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulwark was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near bulwark

Cite this Entry

“Bulwark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulwark. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bulwark

noun
bul·​wark
ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk,
-ˌwȯrk;
ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk
1
: a solid structure like a wall built for defense
2
: a strong support or protection
3
: the side of a ship above the upper deck
usually used in plural
Etymology

Noun

Middle English bulwerke "bulwark," from early Dutch bolwerc (same meaning) — related to boulevard

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