How Do You Spell DONJON?

Pronunciation: [dˈɒnd͡ʒɒn] (IPA)

The word "donjon" is often misspelled as "dungeon," but the two words have different meanings. "Donjon" is a French word that refers to a type of castle keep, while "dungeon" refers to a dark prison cell. The spelling of "donjon" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "dɒnʒən". This IPA transcription breaks down the word into its distinct sounds, including the "d" sound at the beginning, the short "o" sound in the middle, and the "nʒ" sound at the end.

DONJON Meaning and Definition

1. Donjon is a noun that refers to a massive and fortified tower located within a medieval castle. It is also known as a keep or a stronghold. The word "donjon" originated from the French language, where it initially referred to the central tower of a castle.

   In its architectural sense, a donjon is typically the tallest and strongest part of a castle structure, strategically positioned along the inner walls to provide optimal defensive vantage points. It often served as a residence for the lord or noble family and was constructed with thick stone walls and small windows, designed to withstand siege attacks. The donjon was crucial to the castle's defense as it acted as a secure refuge during times of conflict.

   Aside from its military purpose, the donjon could also house important rooms such as the great hall, chapel, and living quarters for the lord's family and retinue. It symbolized power and authority within the medieval feudal system.

   In modern usage, the term "donjon" is primarily employed in historical and architectural contexts to describe the central tower or keep of a castle. It is often associated with the romanticized image of medieval fortresses and plays a significant role in understanding the military strategies and lifestyle of the feudal era.

2. Principal tower or keep of an anc. castle, forming the central and strongest portion of the building, beneath which were the prison vaults, hence called dungeons.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DONJON

• sonjon
• xonjon
• fonjon
• ronjon
• eonjon
• dknjon
• dlnjon
• dpnjon
• d0njon
• d9njon
• dobjon
• domjon
• dojjon
• dohjon
• donhon
• donnon
• donmon
• donkon
• donion

Etymology of DONJON

The word "donjon" is derived from the Old French term "donjeon", which itself is a modification of the Middle Latin term "dominio". "Dominio" means "lordship" or "rulership" and was primarily used to describe the central tower or keep of a castle, which served as the residence of the lord or ruler. Over time, "donjon" came to specifically refer to this tower or stronghold within castles.

Similar spelling words for DONJON

• Tannigen,
• duingen,
• tangen,
• tinjan,
• dungeon!,
• Tannagen,
• tenjin,
• tingen,
• downtown,
• dongen,
• daingean,
• don juan,
• tengen,
• done in,
• dungeon,
• donation,
• Dunagin,
• downswing,
• dungen,
• tongine,
• Donning.

Plural form of DONJON is DONJONS