What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
garrison
Example
The garrison was responsible for protecting the border from enemy attacks. [garrison: noun]
Example
The soldiers were garrisoned in the fort for several months. [garrisoned: past tense verb]
citadel
Example
The citadel was built on a hilltop to provide a strategic advantage in battle. [citadel: noun]
Example
The rebels attempted to breach the citadel's walls but were unsuccessful. [citadel's: possessive adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Garrison is more commonly used than citadel in everyday language, especially in modern contexts. Citadel is less common and is often associated with historical or literary references.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between garrison and citadel?
Both garrison and citadel are formal words that are associated with military or historical contexts. However, citadel has a more grandiose and prestigious connotation, making it slightly more formal than garrison.