bulwark Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
    rampart; wall.
    • they stormed the ramparts of the city
    • they blew the trumpet and the walls came tumbling down
  2. noun a fencelike structure around a deck (usually plural)
  3. noun a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away
    groyne; jetty; breakwater; groin; mole; seawall.
  4. verb defend with a bulwark

WordNet

Bul"wark noun
Etymology
Akin to D. bolwerk, G. bollwerk, Sw. bolwerk, Dan. bolvärk, bulvärk, rampart; akin to G. bohle plank, and werk work, defense. See Bole stem, and Work, n., and cf. Boulevard.
Definitions
  1. (Fort.) A rampart; a fortification; a bastion or outwork.
  2. That which secures against an enemy, or defends from attack; any means of defense or protection.
    The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense, . . . the floating bulwark of our island. Blackstone.
  3. pl. (Naut.) The sides of a ship above the upper deck. Syn. -- See Rampart.
Bul"wark transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Bulwarked ; present participle & verbal noun Bulwarking
Definitions
  1. To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect.
    Of some proud city, bulwarked round and armed With rising towers. Glover.

Webster 1913