dyke

• Substantiv mit zwei Bedeutungen: ein Damm oder Wall, der Wasser zurückhält oder die Küste schützt; außerdem ein oft als beleidigend empfundener umgangssprachlicher Ausdruck für eine lesbische Frau mit betont männlichem Auftreten.

A noun with two distinct meanings: a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea; also a slang term, often considered offensive, for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine.

1. Water barrierB2formal

   A wall or embankment built to prevent flooding or to hold back water, often found near rivers or coasts.

   Deich

   • The dyke protected the farmland from the rising river.
   • Engineers reinforced the dyke after the storm.
   • The village was built behind a large dyke to keep the sea out.

   Synonymebankbarrierdamdikeembankmentlevee

2. Slang term for a masculine lesbianC1slang

   A slang term, often considered offensive, used to describe a lesbian who displays stereotypically masculine traits or appearance.

   Slang-Bezeichnung für eine maskuline Lesbe

   • The word 'dyke' is sometimes used as a slur against masculine lesbians.
   • Some members of the community have reclaimed the term 'dyke' as a badge of pride.
   • Using 'dyke' as an insult is considered highly offensive.

   Synonymebutchstud

• Veraltetes Verb mit der Bedeutung, einen Graben auszuheben oder einen Graben anzulegen, oder ein Gebiet mit einem Graben oder Deich zu umgeben, um es zu entwässern oder zu schützen.

An obsolete verb meaning to dig or make a ditch, or to surround with a ditch or embankment for drainage or defense.

1. Enclose with a dikeC1formal

   To build or provide with a dike or embankment to control or confine water.

   Eindeichen

   • The farmers dyked the fields to prevent flooding.
   • Engineers dyked the river to protect the nearby town.
   • They dyked the marshland to create new farmland.

   Synonymebankdamembankleveewall