Swamp: meaning, definitions and examples

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swamp

[swɒmp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wetland ecosystem

A swamp is a wetland ecosystem characterized by flooded and waterlogged land, dominated by woody vegetation such as trees and shrubs. Swamps are important habitats for a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and amphibians. They play a crucial role in flood control and water purification.

Synonyms

bog, fen, marsh, wetland.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swamp	A swamp is an area of wet, spongy land with lots of trees and standing water. It's often found in warmer climates and supports a wide variety of wildlife. The alligator swam silently through the murky swamp. They trekked for hours through the dense swamp to reach the other side.
marsh	A marsh is a wetland area that is frequently or continually inundated with water, characterized by herbaceous plants rather than woody ones. Marshes can be found in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The birdwatchers set up their equipment in the marsh to observe the migratory species. The environmentalists worked to restore the tidal marsh to its natural state.
wetland	A wetland is a general term encompassing various landscapes (like swamps, marshes, and fens) where water is the dominant factor influencing the soil and plant life. Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity and act as natural water filters. Wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating floods by absorbing excess water. The government established a protected area to preserve the local wetlands.
bog	A bog is a type of wetland with acidic, nutrient-poor water. It typically forms in colder climates and supports specialized vegetation like mosses and peat. Walking across the bog was tricky due to the uneven ground. The botanist studied the unique plant species in the peat bog.
fen	A fen is a low and often flood-prone area of land that is constantly saturated with nutrient-rich water from ground sources. Fens are less acidic than bogs and support a range of plant life. The fen was home to a variety of grasses and wildflowers. They conducted water quality tests in the fen to monitor nutrient levels.

Examples of usage

Many species of birds rely on swamps for nesting and feeding.
The swamp provides a home for various types of fish.
Swamps help to absorb excess water during heavy rains.
Conservation efforts aim to protect the delicate balance of the swamp ecosystem.
The swamp is teeming with life despite its seemingly inhospitable conditions.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

overwhelm or flood

To swamp means to overwhelm or flood with water, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. It can also be used metaphorically to describe being inundated or buried under a large quantity of something.

Synonyms

deluge, flood, inundate, overwhelm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swamp	Swamp is best used when describing a situation where something is heavily waterlogged or saturated. It can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed with tasks or responsibilities. The heavy rain turned the field into a swamp. She was swamped with work after returning from vacation.
flood	Flood is most commonly used to describe a large overflow of water onto normally dry land. It can also indicate an overwhelming influx of other things, like emotions or people. The river broke its banks and caused a massive flood. He was flooded with emotions when he heard the news.
overwhelm	Overwhelm describes a situation where someone is completely submerged by an amount of something or by emotions. It is often used in both positive and negative situations. The amount of support from the community overwhelmed him. She felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.
inundate	Inundate is often used in formal contexts to describe being overwhelmed, especially with a large quantity of things, such as messages, questions, or work. The customer service team was inundated with inquiries after the sale. Rising tides can inundate coastal areas, causing significant damage.
deluge	Deluge is typically used to describe an overwhelming flood of water, but it can also refer to an overwhelming amount of anything, usually in an exaggerated way. The sudden storm caused a deluge, flooding streets and homes. After the announcement, there was a deluge of complaints from customers.

Examples of usage

He was swamped with work after taking on additional projects.
The small town was swamped by a sudden influx of tourists.
The rescue team was swamped with calls for help during the storm.
Don't let the negative news swamp your positive outlook on life.
The candidate's campaign was swamped by scandal.

Translations

Translations of the word "swamp" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pântano

🇮🇳 दलदल

🇩🇪 Sumpf

🇮🇩 rawa

🇺🇦 болото

🇵🇱 bagno

🇯🇵 沼地 (numachi)

🇫🇷 marais

🇪🇸 pantano

🇹🇷 bataklık

🇰🇷 늪 (neup)

🇸🇦 مستنقع (mustanqaʿ)

🇨🇿 bažina

🇸🇰 močiar

🇨🇳 沼泽 (zhǎozé)

🇸🇮 močvirje

🇮🇸 mýri

🇰🇿 батпақ

🇬🇪 ჭაობი (chaobi)

🇦🇿 bataqlıq

🇲🇽 pantano

Etymology

The word 'swamp' originated from the Dutch word 'swam' or 'suamp', which meant a wet, marshy area. It has been used in English since the 1620s to describe low-lying, waterlogged land. Swamps have long been both feared and revered in various cultures, with myths and legends often associating them with mystery and danger. Today, swamps are recognized for their ecological importance and are protected in many regions to preserve their delicate balance of plant and animal life.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,235 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9232 climax
9233 ivory
9234 electrolyte
9235 swamp
9236 markings
9237 bushel
9238 transforming
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