bulwark

• Nom désignant une muraille ou un rempart défensif, une protection sur le plat-bord d'un navire, ou un ouvrage érigé en bord de mer pour empêcher l'érosion.

A noun referring to a defensive wall or embankment, a protective barrier on a ship's deck, or a structure extending from the shore to prevent erosion.

1. Defensive embankmentC1formal

   A raised wall or mound of earth built around a space for protection against attack.

   rempart défensif en terre

   • The ancient city was protected by a massive bulwark of stone and earth.
   • Soldiers stood guard on the bulwark, watching for approaching enemies.
   • The castle's bulwark had withstood many sieges over the centuries.

   Synonymesbastionbreastworkearthworkembankmentfortificationparapetrampartredoubt

2. Ship's railingC1formal

   A protective fence-like structure around the deck of a ship, usually used in plural form.

   Bastingage

   • The sailors leaned against the bulwarks, watching the horizon.
   • He gripped the bulwark tightly as the ship rocked in the storm.
   • The captain stood at the bulwark, giving orders to the crew.

   Synonymesguardrailrailrailing

3. Seawall or breakwaterC1formal

   A protective structure made of stone or concrete that extends from the shore into the water to prevent beach erosion.

   Digue, brise-lames

   • The town built a bulwark to protect the coastline from storm surges.
   • Waves crashed against the bulwark, but the beach remained intact.
   • Engineers reinforced the bulwark after the last hurricane.

   Synonymesbreakwatergroingroynejettymoleseawall

• Verbe signifiant fortifier, protéger ou défendre contre un danger ou une attaque.

A verb meaning to fortify, protect, or defend against danger or attack.

1. Defend with a bulwarkC2formal

   To protect or fortify with a defensive wall or barrier.

   Défendre avec un rempart

   • The soldiers bulwarked the castle against the approaching army.
   • They bulwarked the city walls with additional stone.
   • The fortress was bulwarked to withstand any siege.

   Synonymesbarricadedefendfortifyguardprotectsecuresheltershield