beachhead
1. [ noun ] (military) an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
Synonyms: bridgehead foothold
Examples:

"an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines" "the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar"

Related terms: combat_zone airhead
2. [ noun ] (military) a bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation
Examples:

"the Germans were desperately trying to contain the Anzio beachhead"

3. [ noun ] an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments
Synonyms: foothold
Examples:

"the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors" "they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market"

Related terms: accomplishment
Similar spelling:   beached
  beechwood