| 释义 |
bul·wark
I. \ˈbu̇l_wə(r)k; ˈbu̇lˌwərk, -ˌwə̄k, -ˌwəik; ˈbu̇lˌwȯrk, -ȯ(ə)k; ˈbu̇lˌwärk, -wȧk; also ˈbəl_wə(r)k or ˈbəlˌwərk or ˈbəlˌwə̄k or ˈbəlˌwəik\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch, from Middle High German bolwerc, from bole plank + werc work, from Old High German; akin to Old Norse bolr tree-trunk — more at bole, work
1.
a. : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense usually not too high for the defenders to fire over : rampart, parapet
b. : breakwater, seawall
2. : something that offers strong support or protection in danger : a powerful means of defense : an imposing safeguard
< a strong representative government is a bulwark of liberty >
3. : the side of a ship above the upper deck — usually used in plural; see ship illustration
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English bulwerken, from bulwerke, n.
: to fortify, secure, or reinforce with or as if with a bulwark : protect
< ability to bulwark a moral choice — Margaret Mead >
< trying to bulwark the country against internal disorder > |