bastille

Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/bæsˈtiːl/

Definitions

• A fortress or prison, especially the famous one in Paris, France, which was stormed during the French Revolution in 1789.
• Historically, a structure used for the confinement of prisoners, particularly political prisoners, and a symbol of oppression in the past.

Usage Examples

• The storming of the Bastille on July 14th marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
• The fall of the Bastille became a symbol of the overthrow of the monarchy and the fight for liberty.

Etymology

The word "bastille" comes from the Old French word *bastille*, meaning "fortress" or "stronghold," derived from the Latin *bastilla*, a diminutive form of *bastum*, meaning "a large building" or "a stronghold." The Bastille in Paris, originally a fortress built to defend the eastern approach to the city, became infamous as a prison during the reign of Louis XIV and later symbolized the oppressive monarchy.

Synonyms

• fortress
• castle
• stronghold
• prison

Antonyms

• freedom
• liberation
• refuge

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "bastille" is pronounced with a softer "t" sound, while American English tends to pronounce it more sharply.
• In French, the pronunciation emphasizes the final "e" sound, whereas other languages may soften or omit this vowel.

Historical Usage

The Bastille, originally built as a fortress in 1370, became notorious as a prison under the reign of Louis XIV. It held prisoners, particularly political ones, and symbolized the absolute power of the monarchy. On July 14, 1789, the storming of the Bastille by revolutionary forces marked the beginning of the French Revolution, symbolizing the people's struggle against tyranny. The fall of the Bastille remains a powerful symbol of liberty, celebrated annually on Bastille Day in France.

Cultural Nuances

The Bastille holds immense cultural significance, especially in France. The storming of the Bastille on Bastille Day is considered a national holiday in France, embodying the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. In the wider cultural context, the term "bastille" is often associated with oppressive systems of government or unjust detention, representing a historical struggle against authoritarian rule.

More Information

The Bastille was not just a prison; it was a symbol of the old feudal system and the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. Its storming in 1789 marked the symbolic end of the monarchy’s unchecked power and the beginning of the French Revolution. Today, the term "bastille" evokes powerful imagery of resistance, revolution, and the fight for freedom. The building itself was demolished after the revolution, but the legacy of the Bastille remains strong in French national consciousness and continues to be a symbol of resistance against oppression.