Flooding: meaning, definitions and examples

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flooding

 

[ ˈflʌdɪŋ ]

Context #1

natural disaster

Flooding is the overflowing of water onto land that is usually dry. It can be caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, or rapid ice thaw. Floods can cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and crops.

Synonyms

deluge, inundation, overflow, submersion

Examples of usage

  • The flooding in the coastal town was devastating, leaving many residents homeless.
  • After the heavy rain, the river started flooding its banks, posing a threat to nearby communities.
  • The government issued a warning about potential flooding in low-lying areas.
  • Emergency services were deployed to help evacuate people from the flood-affected regions.
  • The floodwaters receded gradually after days of continuous flooding.
Context #2

action of water overflowing

Flooding can also refer to the action of water overflowing onto land. It is often used to describe the rapid and excessive rise of water levels, leading to inundation.

Synonyms

deluge, inundate, submerge, swamp

Examples of usage

  • The heavy rain caused the river to flood the surrounding fields.
  • The burst pipe flooded the basement with water within minutes.
  • Heavy snowmelt resulted in the streets flooding, making driving hazardous.
  • The monsoon season often brings torrential rain, leading to widespread flooding.
  • The coastal areas are at risk of flooding during storm surges.

Translations

Translations of the word "flooding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inundação

🇮🇳 बाढ़

🇩🇪 Überschwemmung

🇮🇩 banjir

🇺🇦 повінь

🇵🇱 powódź

🇯🇵 洪水

🇫🇷 inondation

🇪🇸 inundación

🇹🇷 sel

🇰🇷 홍수

🇸🇦 فيضانات

🇨🇿 povodeň

🇸🇰 povodeň

🇨🇳 洪水

🇸🇮 poplava

🇮🇸 flóð

🇰🇿 су тасқыны

🇬🇪 წყალდიდობა

🇦🇿 sel

🇲🇽 inundación

Word origin

The word 'flooding' originates from the Old English word 'flód', which means a flow of water, a river, or the sea. The concept of flooding has been documented throughout history, with various civilizations experiencing devastating floods due to natural disasters. Over time, efforts have been made to manage and mitigate the impact of flooding through engineering and urban planning.

See also: flood, flooded, floodlight.