(figurative)a person, institution, or principle that acts as a defence (喻)精神堡垒,支柱 the security forces are a bulwark against the breakdown of society. 安全部队是防止社会崩溃的堡垒。 ■(一般作 bulwarks)an extension of a ship's sides above the level of the deck 舷墙
语源
late Middle English : from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch bolwerk; related to bole and work