bulwark
Translation
bulwark, rampart, defence, bastion
Examples
The new dam is a bulwark against flooding.
The new dam is a bulwark against flooding.
Free speech is a bulwark of democracy.
Free speech is a bulwark of democracy.
Grammar Patterns
a bulwark against ((sth.)) a defence against (sth.) The law is a bulwark against corruption.
a bulwark of ((sth.)) a key defence for (sth.) The press is a bulwark of democracy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: defence, protection, safeguard, rampart, bastion
Etymology
From Middle Dutch 'bolwerc', from 'bole' (plank, tree trunk) + 'werc' (work). It originally meant a defensive work made of tree trunks.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'bull' standing like a 'wall' ('-wark' sounds like wall) to protect something. This creates an image of a strong defence.