BASTILLE Meaning and
Definition
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Bastille refers to a strong, fortress-like prison that once existed in Paris, France. The term "bastille" originated from the word "bastida," which in the medieval Provençal dialect meant "fortress" or "tower." The most renowned and historically significant example of a bastille is the Bastille Saint-Antoine, built in the late 1300s as a stronghold within the city walls of Paris, serving as a royal fortress and state prison.
The Bastille not only gained its reputation as a robust defensive structure but also carried significant political importance. It held prisoners accused of various crimes, political dissidents, and opponents of the monarchy. In France, the Bastille became a symbol of the monarchy's authoritarianism and oppression, representing the abuse of power and arbitrary imprisonment. This perception was further magnified during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marking a crucial turning point in the uprising against the monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution.
Today, the word "bastille" is often used to refer to any harsh, oppressive, or tyrannical institution or system. It conveys a sense of repression, brutality, and lack of freedom. Additionally, the term may be employed metaphorically to describe any symbolic attack on or overthrow of such oppressive structures or systems in the pursuit of liberty, justice, or political change.
Common Misspellings for BASTILLE
Etymology of BASTILLE
The word "bastille" has its origins in the Old French word "bastir", which means "to build". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "bastire", which also means "to build". "Bastille" specifically refers to a fortress or a tower that is used for defense purposes. The most famous and significant use of the term is associated with the Bastille prison in Paris, which was famously stormed on July 14, 1789, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
Idioms with the word BASTILLE
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the Bastille
The idiom "the Bastille" refers to a symbol of tyranny, oppression, or autocratic rule. It originated from the famous medieval fortress in Paris, France, known as the Bastille, which was notorious for imprisoning political prisoners without trial and for its oppressive treatment. The phrase is commonly used to signify a symbol or institution that represents oppressive or dictatorial power.
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Bastille Day
"Bastille Day" is an idiom that refers to the French national holiday celebrated on July 14th each year. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison, which occurred on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution. The idiom is often used to denote this specific holiday and the events associated with it.
Similar spelling word for BASTILLE
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