How Do You Spell BULWARK?

Pronunciation: [bˈʊlwɔːk] (IPA)

Bulwark, which is pronounced ˈbʊlwək according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is a noun that refers to a strong defensive wall or structure. The original spelling of this word was "bulwerk", which comes from the Dutch word "bolwerk". Over time, however, the spelling has evolved to its current form. The "w" in "bulwark" is likely due to the influence of other words in English that use the same letter combination, such as "towel" and "flourish".

BULWARK Meaning and Definition

  1. Bulwark is a noun that refers to a defensive barrier or structure erected for protection or to provide security against external threats. It can also describe a strong and reliable defense or safeguard against any type of danger or harm. A bulwark is often built of solid materials such as stone or metal, and is typically strategically placed to offer maximum protection. It serves as a physical barrier that prevents enemy forces from easily breaching a fortification or stronghold.

    Metaphorically, bulwark can be used to describe a person, group, or thing that acts as a dependable support or defense against various forms of adversity. In this sense, it denotes someone or something that serves as a protective barrier by providing strength, stability, or assistance in times of need. For example, in a social context, a close-knit community can be seen as a bulwark against crime or instability, while a friend’s unwavering support may act as a bulwark against emotional distress.

    Furthermore, bulwark can also represent a figurative or symbolic defense against ideological, moral, or political threats. It can be employed to convey the notion of upholding and defending certain principles or values that are considered essential or fundamental, such as freedom of speech or democracy. In this context, individuals or organizations that vigorously advocate for these principles are often hailed as bulwarks of democracy or defenders of human rights.

  2. • A rampart; a fortification; any means of defence or protection, originally made of the boles or trunks of trees; the railboards of a ship.
    • To fortify with a rampart; to protect.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BULWARK

Etymology of BULWARK

The word "bulwark" originated in the late 15th century, deriving from Middle Dutch "bolwerc" or Middle Low German "bolwerk". It can be broken down as "bol", meaning tree trunk or beam, and "werk", meaning work or construction. In historical terms, a bulwark referred to a defensive wall or embankment made of earth, stone, or wood, built to protect a fortification or city. Later on, the term broadened to encompass any strong defense or protection, metaphorically likening it to a physical barrier. Nowadays, "bulwark" is commonly used to describe a safeguard or support against danger or threat.

Similar spelling words for BULWARK

Plural form of BULWARK is BULWARKS

Conjugate verb Bulwark

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bulwarked
you would have bulwarked
he/she/it would have bulwarked
we would have bulwarked
they would have bulwarked
I would have bulwark
you would have bulwark
he/she/it would have bulwark
we would have bulwark
they would have bulwark

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been bulwarking
you would have been bulwarking
he/she/it would have been bulwarking
we would have been bulwarking
they would have been bulwarking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would bulwark
you would bulwark
he/she/it would bulwark
we would bulwark
they would bulwark

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be bulwarking
you would be bulwarking
he/she/it would be bulwarking
we would be bulwarking
they would be bulwarking

FUTURE

I will bulwark
you will bulwark
he/she/it will bulwark
we will bulwark
they will bulwark

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bulwarking
you will be bulwarking
he/she/it will be bulwarking
we will be bulwarking
they will be bulwarking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have bulwarked
you will have bulwarked
he/she/it will have bulwarked
we will have bulwarked
they will have bulwarked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bulwarking
you will have been bulwarking
he/she/it will have been bulwarking
we will have been bulwarking
they will have been bulwarking

IMPERATIVE

you bulwark
we let´s bulwark

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bulwark

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bulwarking
you were bulwarking
he/she/it was bulwarking
we were bulwarking
they were bulwarking

PAST PARTICIPLE

bulwarked

PAST PERFECT

I had bulwarked
you had bulwarked
he/she/it had bulwarked
we had bulwarked
they had bulwarked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bulwarking
you had been bulwarking
he/she/it had been bulwarking
we had been bulwarking
they had been bulwarking

PRESENT

I bulwark
you bulwark
he/she/it bulwarks
we bulwark
they bulwark

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bulwarking
you are bulwarking
he/she/it is bulwarking
we are bulwarking
they are bulwarking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bulwarking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bulwarked
you have bulwarked
he/she/it has bulwarked
we have bulwarked
they have bulwarked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bulwarking
you have been bulwarking
he/she/it has been bulwarking
we have been bulwarking
they have been bulwarking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it bulwark

SIMPLE PAST

I bulwarked
you bulwarked
he/she/it bulwarked
we bulwarked
they bulwarked

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