Breastwork

Pronunciation: /ˈbrɛstwɜrk/

Definitions of breastwork

noun a temporary fortification, typically breast high, built by soldiers in the field

Example Sentences

A1 The soldiers built a breastwork to protect themselves from enemy fire.

A2 During the battle, the troops took cover behind the breastwork.

B1 The fort was surrounded by a strong breastwork made of sandbags and logs.

B2 The soldiers reinforced the breastwork with additional layers of protection.

C1 The strategic placement of the breastwork allowed the defenders to hold off the enemy forces.

C2 The engineers designed a sophisticated breastwork system to fortify the military base.

Examples of breastwork in a Sentence

formal The soldiers built a strong breastwork to protect themselves during the battle.

informal We found a good spot behind the breastwork to have our picnic.

slang Let's chill behind the breastwork and watch the sunset.

figurative She built a mental breastwork to shield herself from negative thoughts.

Grammatical Forms of breastwork

• past tense: breastworked
• plural: breastworks
• comparative: more breastwork
• superlative: most breastwork
• present tense: breastworks
• future tense: will breastwork
• perfect tense: have breastworked
• continuous tense: is breastworking
• singular: breastwork
• positive degree: breastwork
• infinitive: to breastwork
• gerund: breastworking
• participle: breastworked

Origin and Evolution of breastwork

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'breastwork' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'brēostweall' which literally means 'breast wall'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a defensive fortification or wall protecting the chest or breast area, the term 'breastwork' has evolved to also mean a temporary fortification made of earth or other materials for military use.