Words / C2

BULW-uh-k/ˈbʊlwək/

A bulwark is a defensive wall, or a person or thing that protects against harm: a bulwark against leaks, the last bulwark. Bastion (this batch) is a stronghold of a cause — the cousin. Defence and safeguard (already in the dictionary) are wider; a rampart is the physical wall. An embargo is not an optional flourish.

Meaning

A defensive wall; a person or thing that protects against harm.

Examples

• “An embargo is a bulwark, not an optional flourish.”
• “Defence is everyday-wider (already in B1). Safeguard is a protection (already in C1). Bastion is a stronghold (this batch). A yes-or-no on circulation can be exact. A phrase that lets you skip the embargo is a hole. Name the rule; belonging is not a waiver.”

Good to know

A defensive wall; a safeguard. Everyday: defence / safeguard (already in this dictionary). Close: bastion (this batch). Contrast: shibboleth (a stale in-group test — already in C2). A flourish is not a policy.

Near in meaning

safeguard, defence, bastion, rampart

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