bridgehead

bridge·head  (brjhd)

n.

1.

a. A fortified position from which troops defend the end of a bridge nearest the enemy.

b. A forward position seized by advancing troops in enemy territory as a foothold for further advance.

2. The area immediately adjacent to the end of a bridge.

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[Translation of French tête de pont : tête, head + de, of + pont, bridge.]

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bridgehead [ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd]

n Military

1. (Military) an area of ground secured or to be taken on the enemy's side of an obstacle, esp a defended river

2. (Military / Fortifications) a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy

3. an advantageous position gained for future expansion

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An area of ground held or to be gained on the enemy's side of an obstacle. See also airhead; beachhead.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	bridgehead - an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies; "an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"; "the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar" foothold combat area, combat zone - a military area where combat forces operate airhead - a bridgehead seized by airborne troops beachhead - a bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation; "the Germans were desperately trying to contain the Anzio beachhead"
	2.	bridgehead - a defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy post, station - the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand; "a soldier manned the entrance post"; "a sentry station"

Translations

bridgehead [ˈbrɪdʒhed] N (Mil) → cabeza f de puente

bridgehead [ˈbrɪdʒhɛd] n → tête f de pont
bridging loan [ˈbrɪdʒɪŋ] n (British) → prêt-relais m

bridgehead [ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd] n (Mil) → testa di ponte