Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
bulwark — n Bulwark, breastwork, rampart, parapet, bastion are comparable when they denote a structure above the ground that forms part of a fortification and is specifically intended for purposes of defense. Bulwark is the most general and the least… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
Bulwark — Bul wark, n. [Akin to D. bolwerk, G. bollwerk, Sw. bolwerk, Dan. bolv[ a]rk, bulv[ a]rk, rampart; akin to G. bohle plank, and werk work, defense. See {Bole} stem, and {Work}, n., and cf. {Boulevard}.] 1. (Fort.) A rampart; a fortification; a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Bulwark — can refer to:* An architectural term *A naval term, an extension of a ships sides above water level * Any of seven Royal Navy ships, see HMS Bulwark * Part of the town of Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales … Wikipedia
bulwark — [bool′wərk, bul′wərk] n. [ME bulwerk < MDu bolwerc: see BOLE1 & WORK] 1. an earthwork or defensive wall; fortified rampart 2. BREAKWATER 3. a person or thing serving as a strong defense or protection 4. [ … English World dictionary
Bulwark — Bul wark, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bulwarked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Bulwarking}.] To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect. [1913 Webster] Of some proud city, bulwarked round and armed With rising towers.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
bulwark — I noun abutment, asylum, barricade, barrier, bastion, battlement, buffer, bulkhead, buttress, citadel, defense, embankment, fort, fortification, fortress, guard, haven, insulation, insulator, palladium, parapet, preservation, propugnaculum,… … Law dictionary
bulwark — early 15c., from M.Du. bulwerke or M.H.G. bolwerc, from bole plank, tree trunk (from P.Gmc. *bul , from PIE root *bhel (2) to blow, swell; see BOLE (Cf. bole)) + werc work. Figurative sense is from 1570s … Etymology dictionary
bulwark — [n] fortification, support barrier, bastion, buffet, buttress, citadel, defense, embankment, fort, fortress, guard, mainstay, outwork, parapet, partition, protection, rampart, redoubt, safeguard, security, stronghold, vallation; concepts 96,729… … New thesaurus
bulwark — ► NOUN 1) a defensive wall. 2) an extension of a ship s sides above deck level. ORIGIN from Low German and Dutch bolwerk … English terms dictionary
Bulwark — Mehrere Schiffe der britischen Royal Navy trugen den Namen HMS Bulwark nach dem englischen Wort für Bollwerk. Der Bau der ersten Bulwark begann 1780, wurde aber in einem frühen Stadium eingestellt. Das Schiff wurde nie fertiggestellt. Die zweite… … Deutsch Wikipedia
bulwark — UK [ˈbʊlwə(r)k] / US [ˈbʊlwərk] noun Word forms bulwark : singular bulwark plural bulwarks 1) [countable] formal someone or something that protects or defends something such as a belief, idea, or way of life The country is valued as a bulwark of… … English dictionary
