bulwark
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bulwark
In a figurative sense, something that serves as strong protection or as a barrier against an undesirable development or influence.
Die Verfassung gilt als Bollwerk gegen die Diktatur.
The constitution is considered a bulwark against dictatorship.
bulwark
A very massive, strong defensive structure, often part of a fortress, that serves as protection against attacks.
Die alte Stadtmauer mit ihrem mächtigen Bollwerk ist heute eine Touristenattraktion.
The old city wall with its mighty bulwark is now a tourist attraction.
'Bollwerk' (bulwark) is an elevated-language word. It sounds strong and often somewhat dramatic and is frequently used in journalistic, political, or historical texts.
Die Pressefreiheit ist ein Bollwerk der Demokratie.
Freedom of the press is a bulwark of democracy.
The literal meaning almost always refers to historical fortresses or walls. The figurative meaning, which is more common today, can be recognized by the fact that the 'Bollwerk' (bulwark) is directed against something abstract, such as an ideology, a danger, or a negative development.
Das alte Bollwerk am Hafen kann man heute besichtigen.
You can visit the old bulwark at the harbor today.
In the figurative meaning, 'Bollwerk' (bulwark) is almost always used with the preposition 'gegen' (against) + accusative. It describes what something protects against.
Die Gesetze sollen ein Bollwerk gegen Korruption sein.
The laws are intended to be a bulwark against corruption.
stronghold
Hochburg and Bollwerk can both refer to a place that provides strong support for a party or movement. Hochburg emphasizes that the group is particularly strongly represented there, while Bollwerk focuses more on protection against an undesirable development or influence. Hochburg is suitable for emphasizing the concentration of supporters, while Bollwerk is more appropriate for resistance.
Die Stadt ist ein Bollwerk gegen den Einfluss der Partei, weil sich dort viele Menschen ihr widersetzen.
The city is a bulwark against the party's influence because many people there oppose it.
Die Stadt ist eine Hochburg der Partei, weil dort besonders viele Menschen sie wählen.
The city is a stronghold of the party because particularly many people there vote for it.
