French word

donjon

Pronunciation

IPA/dɔ̃ʒɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounkeep

Example

Le donjon de ce château a été restauré récemment.

The keep of this castle was recently restored.

Illustration for donjon (keep)

More examples

Les visiteurs peuvent monter dans le donjon pour voir la vue.

Visitors can climb up into the keep to see the view.

Core concept

The castle's commanding central tower, rising above the walls as a stronghold and lordly residence.

Common phrases

  • le donjon du château

    the castle keep

  • donjon médiéval

    medieval keep

  • l'entrée du donjon

    the entrance to the keep

Similar words

tour: A tall tower attached to a building or castle wall for surveying the surroundings.
château: A large, prominent castle that historically housed nobles or rulers.

Definition in French

La tour principale d'un château, généralement la plus haute et la mieux fortifiée, servant de résidence et de refuge pour le seigneur.

Word origin

French donjon developed from Old French donjon, from Medieval Latin dominionem, a form related to Latin dominus, meaning lord.

Usage tips

  • French donjon is a false friend of English dungeon: it usually names a castle tower, not an underground prison.

Word lists with this word