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redoubt

noun
re·​doubt | \ ri-ˈdau̇t How to pronounce redoubt (audio) \

Definition of redoubt

1a : a small usually temporary enclosed defensive work
b : a defended position : protective barrier
2 : a secure retreat : stronghold
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about redoubt

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Did You Know?

Based on its spelling, you might think that "redoubt" shares its origin with words such as "doubt" and "redoubtable," both of which derive from a Latin verb, dubitare. But that's not the case. "Redoubt" actually derives via French and Italian from a different Latin verb - reducere, meaning "to lead back," the same root that gives us "reduce." How that "b" ended up in "redoubt" is a lingering question, but some etymologists have posited that the word might have been conflated with another "redoubt" - a now-archaic transitive verb meaning "to regard with awe, dismay, or dread." Unlike its homographic twin, that "redoubt" does derive from the same root as "doubt" and "redoubtable."

Examples of redoubt in a Sentence

The refugees gathered in a hilly redoubt several miles outside the city. a massive stone redoubt at the entrance of the bay guarded the city

Recent Examples on the Web

 When Pope John Paul II visited Ireland and his native Poland in 1979, these two redoubts of Catholic faith seemed to be on a similar path. — Yaroslav Trofimov, WSJ, "The Culture War Dividing Europe," 29 Mar. 2019 The troops split into two groups, each manning an outpost overlooking Islamic State redoubts. — Habib Khan Totakhil, WSJ, "U.S., Afghan Forces Launch Major Offensive Against Islamic State," 8 June 2018 That has come even as U.S. and Afghan forces, aided by units led by such local authorities as Mr. Padshah, drive the group’s fighters out of their former redoubts in the districts of Achin and Deh Bela. — Ehsanullah Amiri, WSJ, "Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens of Afghans Protesting Local Official," 12 Sep. 2018 Still, there are dozens of newer krewes that have embraced diversity, and Gasparilla, despite its aristocratic origins and social pretensions, isn't exactly a redoubt of Tampa society—or a model of decorum. — Vicky Ward, Town & Country, "The Bizarre Scandal That Brought Down General David Petraeus," 29 Nov. 2016 From 1990 until 1999 artist Scott Swoveland's colorful murals outside Montrose gay bar Mary's at 1022 Westheimer showed off the neighborhood's vibrant reputation as an LGBT redoubt. — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Memories of murals outside departed Montrose gay bar Mary's still live on," 22 June 2018 The Supreme Court has barred public-employee contracts requiring workers to pay union dues, dealing a severe blow to perhaps the strongest remaining redoubt of the American labor movement. — Jess Bravin, WSJ, "Supreme Court Deals Blow to Public-Sector Unions," 27 June 2018 Mnangagwa's main challenger is 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa from the MDC, who has energized the party, drawing huge crowds at rallies in some of the ruling ZABU-PF party's rural redoubts. — Macdonald Dzirutwe, The Christian Science Monitor, "Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa promises fair and open general election," 30 May 2018 French soldiers were to take one redoubt, Americans led by Lt. — Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Our history: Revolutionary War patriots among city settlers," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'redoubt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of redoubt

circa 1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for redoubt

French redoute, from Italian ridotto, from Medieval Latin reductus secret place, from Latin, withdrawn, from past participle of reducere to lead back — more at reduce

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More Definitions for redoubt

redoubt

noun
How to pronounce redoubt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of redoubt

: a small building or area that gives protection to soldiers under attack
: a safe or protected place

See the full definition for redoubt in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on redoubt

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with redoubt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for redoubt

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