floodgate

• Sustantivo que designa una compuerta o válvula que controla el flujo de agua, y, en sentido figurado, algo que contiene o libera una gran cantidad o torrente.

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

1. Water control gateB2formal

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

   Compuerta de agua

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

   Sinónimoshead gatepenstocksluicewater gate

2. Restraint or barrierC1formal

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

   Compuerta o barrera que contiene un flujo

   • 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.

   Sinónimosbarriercheckcontrolcurbdamrestraint

   Antónimosoutletreleasespoutvent