Flood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💦
flood
[flʌd ]
Definitions
natural disaster
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. Floods can be caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, ice jams, or dam failures. They can result in damage to property, loss of life, and displacement of communities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flood |
Used to describe a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry. Commonly used in both everyday conversation and official reports.
|
| deluge |
Describes a severe, overwhelming flood or anything that arrives in an overwhelming amount. Often used in a poetic or dramatic context.
|
| inundation |
A formal term used mainly in official or scientific reports to describe the covering of land with water. It can also be used metaphorically but is less common in casual conversation.
|
| overflow |
Refers to water overflowing from its usual container or space, often used in a more everyday context. It can also describe situations where a system is handling more than its capacity.
|
Examples of usage
- The town was devastated by a flood after days of heavy rain.
- Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate their homes due to the flood.
to cover with water
To flood means to overflow or submerge something with water. It can also refer to overwhelming someone or something with a large quantity of things.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flood |
Used when talking about an overflow of water that covers land which is usually dry. It can also be used metaphorically for being overwhelmed with something, like emotions or tasks.
|
| submerge |
Used when talking about completely covering or sinking something underwater or any other liquid. Can also be used figuratively to describe something being hidden or buried under a large volume of something.
|
| engulf |
Used to describe something that completely covers or surrounds something else, often in a dramatic or overwhelming way. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
|
| inundate |
Often used to indicate being flooded with water or being overwhelmed by a large amount or number of something. It has a slightly negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He accidentally flooded the bathroom by leaving the faucet running.
- The market was flooded with cheap imitations of the popular product.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Events
- The Great Flood is a legendary event in many cultures, including the story of Noah's Ark in the Bible, symbolizing divine judgment.
- The 1931 China floods are among the deadliest floods in recorded history, affecting millions and causing widespread devastation.
- In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans, leading to significant changes in disaster response policies.
Environmental Impact
- Flooding can rejuvenate ecosystems by depositing nutrients in floodplains, promoting plant and animal life.
- Some coastal areas rely on seasonal floods to maintain healthy wetlands, which protect against erosion and support biodiversity.
- However, increased urbanization and climate change have heightened flood risks, leading to more frequent and intense flooding events.
Pop Culture
- Floods are often depicted in movies and books as dramatic events that challenge characters to overcome adversity.
- The song 'Flood' by Jars of Clay uses flooding as a metaphor for emotional struggles and renewal.
- Video games often feature flooding as a gameplay mechanic, influencing navigation and strategy.
Science
- Meteorologists study weather patterns and rainfall to predict potential flooding events, employing radars and satellite data.
- Floodplains are geographical areas that are prone to flooding, formed over thousands of years by the movement of water.
- Researchers investigate how various terrains affect flood dynamics, contributing to better flood management strategies.
Origin of 'flood'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'flōd', which means a flood or a flowing stream.
- Historically, it was used to describe the rising water levels of rivers or the ocean.
- In various languages, similar words exist, showing a common understanding of water overflow across cultures.
The word 'flood' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'flōd' which meant a flow of water, tide, or sea. The concept of floods has been present throughout history, with many civilizations experiencing devastating floods that shaped their societies. Floods have often been associated with destruction and renewal, leading to various cultural and religious interpretations of this natural phenomenon.
See also: flooded, flooding, floodlight.