early 14c., from Old French forteresse, forterece "strong place, fortification" (12c.), variant of fortelesse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis "strong" (see fort) + -itia, added to adjectives to form nouns of quality or condition. French -ess from Latin -itia also is in duress, largesse, riches. For change of medial -l- to -r- in Old French, compare orne "elm" from Latin ulmus; chartre from cartula; chapitre from capitulum.
实用例句
1. The fortress was proof against the techniques of attack then in use.
该防御工事能抵御当时所使用的各种进攻手段。来自柯林斯例句
2. The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.
低悬的太阳将黄灿灿的阳光泻在堡垒的墙壁上。来自柯林斯例句
3. a fortress town enclosed by four miles of ramparts
由四英里长的城墙围着的设防城镇来自《权威词典》
4. The easiest way to capture a fortress is from within.
堡垒是最容易从内部攻破的.来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
5. A valiant assault force does not fear a strong fortress.
