Bulwarks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A physical barrier built to defend against external forces or dangers
2. A figurative shield that enhances safety from potential risks or adversities
3. A sturdy structure erected to protect an area from attacks or natural forces ; something that provides strong defense or moral support against challenges or dangers

Etymology: The plural here is simply the plural of "bulwark," so the real story lies in the singular. A bulwark was originally a tree trunk laid to a purpose: "bole" meant a tree trunk, and "work" was a fortification built from them. Middle Dutch "bolwerk" and Middle Low German "bolwerk" were joined into Middle English "bulwerk," so the word described a defensive barrier of logs long before it meant a grand wall of stone. The same root travelled in two directions. From Dutch it became French "boulevard," and English kept the older form while French turned the defensive wall into a broad promenade along the course of a demolished fortification. That makes "bulwark" and "boulevard" doublets, two English-facing descendants of one word, one still guarding and one now lined with trees.

Synonyms: fortifications, defenses

Antonyms: vulnerabilities