Floodgate

Pronunciation: /flʌdˌɡeɪt/

Definitions of floodgate

noun a gate that controls the flow of water, especially one in a dam or river

Example Sentences

A1 The floodgate opened and water rushed out.

A2 After heavy rainfall, the floodgate was opened to prevent flooding.

B1 The government decided to open the floodgate to release excess water from the dam.

B2 The floodgate was designed to withstand extreme pressure during flooding.

C1 The engineers monitored the floodgate closely to ensure it functioned properly during the storm.

C2 The floodgate system was a crucial part of the city's flood control infrastructure.

Examples of floodgate in a Sentence

formal The floodgate was opened to allow for controlled release of water from the dam.

informal Once they announced the sale, it was like opening the floodgate for customers to come in.

slang When she started gossiping, it was like she opened the floodgate of drama.

figurative The new technology has opened the floodgate for innovation in the industry.

Grammatical Forms of floodgate

• past tense: floodgated
• plural: floodgates
• comparative: more floodgate
• superlative: most floodgate
• present tense: floodgates
• future tense: will floodgate
• perfect tense: have floodgated
• continuous tense: is floodgating
• singular: floodgate
• positive degree: floodgate
• infinitive: to floodgate
• gerund: floodgating
• participle: floodgated

Origin and Evolution of floodgate

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'floodgate' originated from the Old English word 'flodgiete' which was a compound of 'flood' and 'gate'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a gate that controls the flow of water in a river or canal, the term 'floodgate' has evolved to also represent something that allows a sudden outpouring or release of something, such as emotions or information.