definition of bulwark

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bulwark  Click to hear this word spoken

bul·wark [bï "llwÉ™rk, búllwÉ™rk]
noun (plural bul·warks)

1.  defensive wall: a structure such as a wall or fortification built to keep out attackers
2.  protection: somebody or something that gives protection or support
The alliance is regarded as a bulwark of economic stability in the region.

3.  harbor wall: a wall built out into the sea to shelter a harbor

bul·warks, plural noun
ship's sides: the sides of a ship projecting above the deck

transitive verb (past and past participle bul·warked, present participle bul·wark·ing, 3rd person present singular bul·warks)
1.  protect place with walls: to fortify or protect a place by building walls around it
2.  safeguard somebody or something: to defend or support somebody or something strongly

[15th century. < Middle Dutch, Middle Low German bolwerk "rampart made of tree trunks" < bole "tree trunk" + werk "work"]