1.
stronghold; bastion; citadel
A position of strength or dominance, almost always used figuratively for an organization, industry, or territory that is firmly controlled.
業界の牙城を崩す。
To topple the stronghold of the industry.
あの企業はこの分野の牙城を築いた。
That company built a stronghold in this field.
新興メーカーの参入により、大手が長年守ってきた牙城がついに揺らぎ始めた。
With the entry of emerging manufacturers, the stronghold that the major companies had defended for years finally began to waver.
Originally referred to the innermost tower of a castle where the commander resides (牙 refers to a general's flag/standard + 城 castle). Now used almost exclusively in a figurative sense for a dominant position in business, politics, or competition.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 牙城を崩す: to topple a stronghold
- 牙城を築く: to build a stronghold
- 牙城を守る: to defend a stronghold
- 牙城を脅かす: to threaten a stronghold
- 難攻不落の牙城: an impregnable stronghold
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 拠点: base, strongpoint — more neutral, practical
- 砦: fortress, bastion — can be literal or figurative
- 本丸: main keep, core territory — also figurative for the heart of something