Skip to content

The word for today is…

redoubt (noun):

1a: a small usually temporary enclosed defensive work
b: a defended position : protective barrier
2: a secure retreat : stronghold

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : Based on its spelling, you might think that redoubt shares its origin with words such as doubt and redoubtable, both of which come from the Latin verb dubitare, meaning “to be in doubt.” But that’s not the case. Redoubt actually comes to us (via the French word redoute and the Italian word ridotto) from a different Latin verb—reducere, meaning “to lead back,” the same root that gives us reduce. How that b ended up in redoubt is a lingering question, but some etymologists have posited that the word might have been conflated with another redoubt—a now-archaic verb meaning “to regard with awe, dismay, or dread” which, unlike its twin, does indubitably come from dubitare.

If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

A Recap and Where To...

A Recap and Where To...

So, 2025 has been one hell of a rollercoaster and has seen me sit down and talk to Eli Mitchell from Common Ground. Cam Slater from Good Oil, Elliot from Hobson’s Pledge and River of Freedom documentary maker and author Gaylene Barnes amongst many others

Members Public
Merry Christmas NZ

Merry Christmas NZ

Politically, 2026 is, already, shaping up to be a very bumpy ride. The first verbal slaps are being delivered as the parties begin jockeying for positions, pushing and shoving as they endeavour to claim or retain the political high ground.

Members Public