stronghold \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology: Middle English strong holde, from strong (I) + holde hold 1.: a fortified place : a place of security or survival : fortress, refuge < one of the last strongholds of the ancient Gaelic language — George Holmes > 2.: a place occupied or dominated by a special group or faction < a Puritan stronghold >