fort
UK[fɔːt]US[fɔːrt]
n
A building or group of buildings constructed for military defence, often with strong walls and other features to protect against attack.
Etymology
The word 'fort' entered English in the late 15th century from Old French, where 'fort' meant "strong, mighty, firm". Its ultimate source is the Latin adjective 'fortis', carrying the same core meaning of strength and power. The semantic evolution is direct and logical: a 'fort' is a stronghold, a place built to be strong and defensible. This Latin root is also the progenitor of many other English words related to strength, such as 'fortify', 'fortitude', and 'force'.
Analysis
The word 'fort' is a simplex word. It is a direct borrowing from the French word 'fort', meaning "strong". The French term originates from the Latin adjective 'fortis', meaning "strong, powerful, brave".
Examples
The old stone fort stood guard over the harbor entrance.
Soldiers were stationed at the frontier fort to protect settlers.
The children built a makeshift fort out of blankets and chairs.