noun a temporary fortification, typically breast high, built by soldiers in the field
In military contexts, a breastwork refers to a temporary fortification or defensive wall made of earth or other materials to protect soldiers from enemy fire.
In civil engineering, breastworks are used in coastal protection to prevent erosion and flooding.
In engineering, a breastwork can refer to a retaining wall or embankment used to support or protect a structure.
In historical architecture, a breastwork may refer to a low protective wall or parapet on a roof or balcony.
In fortifications, breastworks are often used as a defensive structure to provide cover for soldiers during battle.
In military writing, 'breastwork' refers to a temporary fortification made of breastworks, which are walls or parapets built to protect soldiers from enemy fire.
In psychological contexts, 'breastwork' may be used metaphorically to describe a person's emotional defenses or barriers that they have built up to protect themselves from emotional harm.
Historians may use 'breastwork' when describing military tactics or fortifications used in different time periods or battles.