redoubt

USAGE SUMMARY

'redoubt' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a strongly protected area or place, such as a fort, citadel, or shelter. Example sentence: The soldiers built a redoubt during the war to protect them from enemy fire.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also seems to be a rock-solid redoubt for Ukip: of the 15 or so people I talk to, only one says they will not be voting for Carswell in October, and that's because she has never voted at all.

The Guardian

But the Commons Scottish affairs committee is a unionist redoubt.

The Guardian

He's another update from him: The Guardian In West Belfast, Gerry Adams' old redoubt, Sinn Féin is on course to win five out of the six seats in the constituency.

The Guardian

Once again, those living in this small Catholic/nationalist redoubt, surrounded by larger loyalist communities, found themselves vulnerable and in peril.

The Guardian

Consider clothing, the last redoubt for many department stores.

The Economist

Syrians at large dared hope that their country, which many recognise as a rusting redoubt of single-party rule and command economics, was joining the rest of the world.Since the start of the year, however, the government has begun to signal stiffer resistance to reform.

The Economist

As long as the town remains loyal to Colonel Qaddafi, it both blocks the road to Misrata, the rebels' western redoubt some 220km to the west, and provides a springboard for rolling back the rebels in the east.

The Economist

This week the Pakistani army launched an air assault on its main redoubt, the tribal area of North Waziristan, close to the border with Afghanistan.

The Economist

Bright idea Marketmaters Green backing King plays God Far from the meddling crowd Alpine redoubt More but merrier Level worship ReprintsThe IMF casts doubt on the idea of expansionary deficit reductions in its latest economic outlook.

The Economist

There in 1945 the Nazis intended to make a "last redoubt", and it was from a house there that Eichmann, the man who set out to destroy the Jews of Hungary (including Mr Lendvai's own family), succeeded in escaping to Argentina.

The Economist

But this week he left his redoubt for the first time to attend a meeting of the AU's peace and security council on March 10th at the body's headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, where his excited aides expect him to be officially consecrated as president by his peers and Mr Gbagbo dumped.Even if that happens, Mr Gbagbo is unlikely to go quietly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "redoubt", consider the historical and military connotations to enhance the imagery and depth of your description. It's particularly effective when discussing politics, ideological standpoints, or any situation involving a defensive posture.

Common error

Avoid using "redoubt" merely as a synonym for "safe place" or "refuge" in everyday contexts. Its strong association with military fortifications can sound out of place if the situation doesn't involve a strategic defense or a final stand.

Linguistic Context

The noun "redoubt" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a place or area that serves as a fortified defense or a final stronghold. Ludwig shows that it often appears in contexts involving politics, military strategy, or ideological resistance, highlighting its role as a place of protection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "redoubt" is a noun referring to a fortified place or stronghold, often used to describe a final point of defense or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to formal register. While effective in conveying strength and strategic importance, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding out of place in non-military or non-political situations. Alternatives include "fortress", "stronghold", and "citadel", each offering slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortress

A more general term for a fortified building or area.

stronghold

Emphasizes the strength and security of the place.

citadel

A fortress in a commanding position in or near a city.

fort

A fortified place designed to protect against attack.

refuge

Focuses on the aspect of providing shelter and safety.

safe haven

Emphasizes the security and protection offered by the place.

sanctuary

Implies a place of safety and peace, often with religious connotations.

bastion

A projecting part of a fortification, often angular.

defense

Highlights the act of protecting rather than the place itself.

shelter

Focuses on providing protection from the elements or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "redoubt" in a sentence?

You can use "redoubt" to describe a place that serves as a stronghold or a refuge, especially in situations involving conflict or ideological defense. For example, "The old library became the last "redoubt" of traditional learning in the tech-dominated school".

What words can I use instead of "redoubt"?

Alternatives to "redoubt" include "stronghold", "fortress", "citadel", or "bastion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "redoubt" in a political context?

Yes, "redoubt" can be effectively used in political contexts to describe a region or group that strongly supports a particular ideology or party. For instance, "The rural county remained a "redoubt" of conservative values".

What's the difference between "redoubt" and "refuge"?

"Redoubt" implies a fortified place of defense, suggesting a strategic position and resistance. "Refuge", on the other hand, simply refers to a place of safety or shelter. While a "redoubt" can be a "refuge", not all refuges are redoubts.