citadel

/ˈsɪɾədəl/

/ˈsɪtədəl/

Other forms: citadels

A citadel is a fortified structure designed to provide protection during a battle. So, back in the days when pillaging was commonplace, it was a good idea to know where your nearest citadel was.

Among the most historically famous citadels are the Acropolis in Athens and the Tower of London. Even though we're building fewer physical fortresses these days, citadel remains a useful word, particularly when you need to create a metaphor suggesting strength and safety. As poet John Keats wrote, "[I]t appears to me that almost any man may like the spider spin from his own inwards his own airy citadel."

Definitions of citadel

1. noun

   a stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a battle
   synonyms: bastion

   examples:

   Kremlin

   citadel of Moscow, housing the offices of the Russian government

   types:

   acropolis

   the citadel in ancient Greek towns

   kremlin

   citadel of a Russian town

   type of:

   fastness, stronghold

   a strongly fortified defensive structure