Wildcatted: meaning, definitions and examples
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wildcatted
[ ˈwaɪldˌkætɪd ]
illegal drilling
Wildcatted refers to the act of illegally drilling for oil or gas, especially in areas where permission has not been granted. This practice often leads to disputes over land rights and environmental concerns, as it disregards regulations set to protect resources and ecosystems. Wildcatting is typically done with the hope of striking a profitable well, often in untapped or heavily regulated regions.
Synonyms
covert drilling, illegal excavation, unauthorized drilling
Examples of usage
- The company was fined for wildcatting in protected lands.
- Many independent drillers are accused of wildcatting.
- Wildcatting operations can damage the environment.
- He made his fortune wildcatting in the 1970s oil boom.
Translations
Translations of the word "wildcatted" in other languages:
🇵🇹 wildcatted
🇮🇳 wildcatted
🇩🇪 wildcatted
🇮🇩 wildcatted
🇺🇦 дикий котик
🇵🇱 wildcatted
🇯🇵 wildcatted
🇫🇷 wildcatted
🇪🇸 wildcatted
🇹🇷 wildcatted
🇰🇷 wildcatted
🇸🇦 wildcatted
🇨🇿 wildcatted
🇸🇰 wildcatted
🇨🇳 wildcatted
🇸🇮 wildcatted
🇮🇸 wildcatted
🇰🇿 wildcatted
🇬🇪 wildcatted
🇦🇿 wildcatted
🇲🇽 wildcatted
Word origin
The term 'wildcatting' originated in the late 19th century during the early oil exploration days in the United States. It is derived from the word 'wildcat', which originally referred to the elusive and untamed nature of the animal, symbolizing ventures that are taken without proper planning or legal permission. As oil drilling expanded in areas that were rich in resources but lacked regulatory oversight, individuals began to take risks by extracting oil in uncharted territories, which became known as wildcatting. The practice grew notably during various oil booms, where the promise of wealth lured many inexperienced drillers to engage in this risky endeavor. Over time, wildcatting has come to symbolize the struggle between the pursuit of profit and the necessity of regulatory compliance, reflecting a broader discussion on resource management and environmental protection.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,542, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.