Pronunciation: [ɡˈaɹɪsən] (IPA) 
The word "garrison" is spelled with two "r's" and two "s's" despite its pronunciation sounding like there is only one of each. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "garrison" is /ˈɡærɪsən/. The two "r's" and two "s's" can be seen in the transcription with the double use of the symbols /r/ and /s/, respectively. This can be a tricky word to spell, but with a bit of practice, one can master it.
Garrison is a term with both military and historical connotations. In military contexts, it refers to a group of troops or soldiers who are stationed at a specific location, typically a fortified post or a fortress, for the purpose of defending and occupying it. The garrison acts as a permanent or semi-permanent force that safeguards the location against potential attacks or intrusions. It can be composed of soldiers from one or multiple military units and may include various supporting personnel such as engineers, medics, and logistic specialists.
From a historical perspective, garrison also refers to the fortified location or post itself. These garrisons are strategically placed in key areas to provide a secure presence and control over specific territories or regions. These fortifications often contain barracks, storage facilities, defensive walls, and even artillery to establish a substantial defensive position.
The term "garrison" can also be used metaphorically to describe any group of people who are stationed or posted in a particular place, not just military personnel. For example, a group of scientists working in a research station in a remote location may be referred to as a garrison. Similarly, a group of workers stationed in a factory or a plant for an extended period of time may also be called a garrison.
• A fortified place; the body of troops stationed in a fort or fortified town.
• To place troops in a fort or town for its defence; to secure by fortresses.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "garrison" originated from the Middle English term "garisoun", which was derived from the Old French word "garnison". The Old French term came from the Late Latin word "garnisio", which meant "protection, lodging". "Garnisio" was in turn derived from the Frankish word "warnôn", meaning "to warn, defend", which ultimately led to the Old High German term "warôn". The Frankish word was influenced by the Proto-Germanic word "warnijaną", which meant "to take heed, protect". Thus, the etymology of "garrison" suggests its connection to the concept of protection and defense.
