Swamp: meaning, definitions and examples
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swamp
[ swɒmp ]
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
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.
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
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
Word origin
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.