Defile (geography)

A defile, in geography, is a narrow passage, typically between mountains or hills, which restricts movement. It often involves a steep-sided valley or gorge, sometimes with a river or stream running through it. The term emphasizes the constricted nature of the passage, making it a strategically important location historically, particularly in military contexts. Defiles can be used as choke points, where a smaller force can effectively defend against a much larger one, or as routes of access to otherwise inaccessible terrain. The difficulty of traversing a defile, due to its narrowness and often challenging terrain, has influenced the development of settlements and transportation networks throughout history. Their strategic importance has led to the construction of fortifications and the occurrence of numerous battles throughout history at such locations. The term is often used interchangeably with similar terms like gorge, pass, and strait, although subtle differences in meaning and connotation can exist. Further research may be needed to clarify these nuanced distinctions.