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to crenellate

to crenellate

1 9.9
To add gaps and raised parts to a wall so soldiers can defend it from above
  • verb
  • /ˈkrɛnəˌleɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : merlonar
  • crenellated wall
  • crenellated battlements
  • crenellated tower

Examples

  • Piece by piece, a high structure of crenellated walls and pointed turrets rose into the air.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Stef continued with the majority along the autumnal garden and the crenellated wall into Red Square.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Shefek saw the crenellated wall of the Keep loom closer.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The main building, with its crenellated clock tower, is perched on a hill overlooking landscaped gardens and rolling fields.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Here, three figures are constructing a wall of stone or brick; above them are domed and gabled structures, turrets, and, above all, a crenellated wall with five towers.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The church's architecture is typical of early Franciscan fortress-churches, which look like medieval castles with a flat facade, massive walls, and crenellated roofs.

    Blog text (32)
  • First, a number of thatch huts began to flash by the smeared windows; then the more substantial stone structures indicated the approach to the palace; and finally, the white marble turrets and crenellated battlements of the palace itself.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • The castle is famous for its crenellated walls, which provide a perfect view of the surrounding countryside.

  • The architect designed the new museum to feature a crenellated parapet that enhances its medieval-inspired aesthetic.

  • They decided to crenellate the fortress to improve its defensive capabilities against potential invaders.

Synonyms

to crenel
vsto crenellate
  • Specialized
9.9

To make the top of a wall have raised parts and openings for defense

is focused on adding them specifically for defensive purposes

Surface Forms

crenellate infinitive
crenellated past participle
crenellating present participle
crenellates third person singular

Morphology

crenellate = crenel (semi-transparent) = crenel + ate

The base 'crenel' is a specific architectural term, which may not be familiar to all learners, though the suffix 'ate' indicates a verb form.

Etymology

Crenellate comes from an old word crenel meaning a small 'notch' or 'gap' in a wall. Think of the top of a castle as a row of 'teeth', and to crenellate is to make those notches so defenders can look out and shoot arrows, which is why it means adding battlements.