redoubt

IPA/rɪˈdaʊt/
KK[ridˈaʊt]IPA/rɪˈdaʊt/

redoubt — noun

  • redoubtsingular
  • redoubtsplural

1. A group, place, or tradition that continues to uphold a particular set of values

1.名詞C1
釋義

A group, place, or tradition that continues to uphold a particular set of values or practices when those values are no longer widely accepted or are under pressure.

例句

The old temple is a redoubt of traditional dances that have nearly vanished from the city.

redoubt of [tradition] — something that preserves a fading practice

This university was a redoubt of free debate in a country that silenced other voices.

collocation: a redoubt of [value]

同義詞
  • bastion

    Similar meaning but more common; 'bastion' can be literal or figurative

  • stronghold

    More general; can refer to any place where something is firmly established

  • haven

    Emphasises safety and shelter rather than active defence

  • refuge

    Focuses on protection from danger rather than preservation of a tradition

反義詞
  • front line

    A place of active change rather than preservation

  • battleground

    A place where opposing forces actively compete

文法句型

redoubt of [belief/tradition/value]

用法筆記

Almost always used figuratively in modern English. Often preceded by 'last' or 'final' to emphasise that the thing being defended is under threat or disappearing.

常見錯誤

The castle on the hill was a redoubt of the king.
The castle on the hill was a stronghold of the king.
💡'Redoubt' is not used for literal medieval castles; use 'stronghold' or 'fortress' instead.
This library is a redoubt for readers.
This library is a redoubt of quiet reading in a noisy world.
💡The figurative sense works best when paired with 'of' and a description of what is being protected.

2. A small, fortified position, often hidden or set apart from the main battle area

2.名詞C1
釋義

A small, fortified position, often hidden or set apart from the main battle area, that provides soldiers with cover while they fire at the enemy.

例句

Lieutenant Niran ordered the squad to build a redoubt behind the ridge before sunrise.

build a redoubt — typical military collocation

From the redoubt, Private Liang could see the enemy column approaching through the valley below.

from the redoubt — positional usage

同義詞
  • fort

    Larger and more permanent; a fort is a long-term military base

  • bunker

    Modern equivalent; often underground, made of concrete

  • stronghold

    More general; any well-defended position

  • entrenchment

    Specifically a trench-based defensive position

反義詞
  • open field

    An exposed position with no defensive cover

用法筆記

A historical or technical military term; in modern contexts, 'bunker' or 'foxhole' are more common for everyday usage. 'Redoubt' often appears in historical writing about 17th–19th century warfare.

常見錯誤

The soldiers slept in the redoubt.
The soldiers took defensive positions in the redoubt.
💡A redoubt is a fighting position, not a sleeping shelter.