Redoubt

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈdaʊt/

Definitions

1. A small, often temporary, fortified structure built for defense in military contexts ; a secure shelter or safe place where someone can find protection or refuge
2. A defensive earthwork or stronghold constructed to protect troops from enemy attacks ; a sanctuary or retreat offering safety from danger or trouble
3. A military fortification designed to provide a protected area for soldiers during battle ; a place that offers shelter and defense from harm or adversity

Etymology: The English noun "redoubt" is a case of two unrelated Latin-derived roots colliding and then being tidied up by spelling. Its military sense came into English by way of French "redoute" and Italian "ridotta," which descend from Medieval Latin "reductus," meaning "refuge," from Latin "redūcō," "to withdraw." A "reductus" was literally a place one withdrew into, and that retreat sense is still the heart of the word: a small outpost thrown up for defence, or simply a safe place to hide. Meanwhile, English already had its own "redoubt," a verb meaning "to dread" or "to fear," inherited through Old French "redouter" from Latin "dubitāre," "to doubt." Over time the two words merged in spelling, and the noun picked up the silent "b" that belonged to the verb's "doubt" family, so that "redoubt" looks as though it contains "doubt." It does not. The b was restored by scholars and spellers to match Latin, even though the noun's own root never had one.

Synonyms: fortification, stronghold, defense, bastion, citadel