<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart</li><li>any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance: The new dam was a bulwark against future floods</li><li>any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt: Religion was his bulwark</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>mainstay</li><li>buttress</li><li>support</li></ul><p><strong>Nautical</strong></p><ul><li>a solid wall enclosing the perimeter of a weather or main deck for the protection of persons or objects on deck</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to fortify or protect with a bulwark; secure by or as if by a fortification</li></ul>