bulwark
Pronunciation:
/ˈbʊl.wək//ˈbʊl.wɔɹk/noun
Definitions
A defensive wall or rampart.
A defense or safeguard.
A breakwater.
The planking or plating along the sides of a nautical vessel above her gunwale that reduces the likelihood of seas washing over the gunwales and people being washed overboard.
verb
Definitions
To fortify something with a wall or rampart.
To provide protection of defense for something.