noun
- fortified areas or strongholds, typically on high ground protecting or dominating a city
- places or situations of refuge; strongholds of particular activities, attitudes, or beliefs
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The ancient citadels overlooked the valley below.
- Medieval citadels were built to withstand long sieges.
- The university became one of the last citadels of classical education.
- These institutions remain citadels of tradition and conservative values.
- The hilltop citadels provided excellent defensive positions.
- Several citadels still stand as monuments to military architecture.