Dam: meaning, definitions and examples

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dam

[ dæm ]

^{Context #1}

water

A barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea.

Synonyms

barrier, blockage, embankment

Examples of usage

The dam was built to prevent flooding in the area.
The beavers built a dam across the river.

^{Context #2}

water

To obstruct the flow of water by building a barrier.

Synonyms

block, impede, obstruct

Examples of usage

They dammed the river to create a reservoir.
The beavers dammed the stream with sticks and mud.

Translations

Translations of the word "dam" in other languages:

🇵🇹 represa

🇮🇳 बांध

🇩🇪 Damm

🇮🇩 bendungan

🇺🇦 дамба

🇵🇱 tama

🇯🇵 ダム

🇫🇷 barrage

🇪🇸 presa

🇹🇷 baraj

🇰🇷 댐

🇸🇦 سد

🇨🇿 přehrada

🇸🇰 priehrada

🇨🇳 水坝

🇸🇮 jez

🇮🇸 stíflan

🇰🇿 бөгет

🇬🇪 კაშხალი

🇦🇿 bənd

🇲🇽 presa

Word origin

The word 'dam' originated from Middle English 'damme', from Middle Dutch 'dam', from Old Dutch 'damm', from Proto-Germanic 'dammaz', which is related to Old Norse 'dammar'. The concept of building barriers to control water flow has been present in human history for centuries, with ancient civilizations constructing dams for irrigation, flood control, and other purposes.