floodgate

A noun referring to a gate or valve that controls the flow of water, or figuratively, something that restrains a large outpouring or flood.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das ein Tor oder Ventil bezeichnet, das den Wasserfluss reguliert, oder im übertragenen Sinne etwas, das einen großen Fluss oder eine Flut zurückhält.

1. Water control gate B2 formal

   A gate used to control the flow of water, typically in a dam or canal.

   • The engineers opened the floodgates to release excess water.
   • A broken floodgate caused flooding in the valley.
   • The floodgate mechanism requires regular maintenance.

   🇩🇪Schleusentor

   Synonyme: head gatepenstocksluicewater gate

2. Restraint or barrier C1 formal

   Something that holds back or controls a large flow or outpouring, often used metaphorically.

   • The court's decision opened the floodgates for similar lawsuits.
   • His resignation opened the floodgates of criticism.
   • The new policy could open the floodgates for immigration.

   🇩🇪Schleuse

   Synonyme: barriercheckcontrolcurbdamrestraint

   Antonyme: outletreleasespoutvent

• floodgates plural form
• floodgates' possessive plural form
• floodgate's possessive singular form