redoubt
|re-doubt|
/rɪˈdaʊt/
defensive shelter / place of retreat
Etymology
'redoubt' originates from Middle French and Italian, specifically the Middle French word 'redoute' and Italian 'ridotto', ultimately from Latin 'reductus' meaning 'a retreat' (from 'reducere' 'to lead back').
'redoubt' changed from Middle French 'redoute' (and Italian 'ridotto'), which came from Latin 'reductus' (past participle of 'reducere'), and was adopted into Middle English as 'redoute' before becoming the modern English 'redoubt'.
Initially, it meant 'a retreat' or 'place of withdrawal'; over time it evolved into the more specific sense of 'a small defensive fortification' and metaphorically 'a stronghold' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small, often temporary, enclosed defensive fortification or earthwork.
The soldiers withdrew to the redoubt on the hill.
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Noun 2
a place or position that serves as a refuge, defense, or last stronghold (often used figuratively, e.g., 'a redoubt of tradition').
The library became a redoubt of traditional scholarship in the region.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 07:22