bridgehead — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An area around the end of a bridge.

2. A fortification around the end of a bridge.

3. An area of ground on the enemy's side of a river or other obstacle, especially one that needs to be taken and defended in order to secure an advance.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   He believed the invasion would happen elsewhere and it wasn't until late in the afternoon and long after the Allied forces had established a bridgehead that Hitler was convinced of the need to do something.

4. Either of the two atoms in different parts of a molecule that are connected by a bridge of two or more other atoms

   Usage

   • physical

Noun

1. an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies

   Synonyms

   foothold

   Broader terms

   combat zonecombat area

   Examples

   an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines

   the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar

2. a defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy

   Broader terms

   poststation