Drought Meaning and Definition
Drought
Pronunciation
/draʊt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A prolonged and abnormally dry period in a region, typically characterized by a lack of rainfall, leading to water scarcity and adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and human activities.
Examples
- The drought in California lasted for several years, devastating crops and wildlife.
- The town relied on rainwater harvesting during the drought to meet its water needs.
Synonyms
- Aridity
- Desiccation
Antonyms
- Rainfall
- Luxuriance
Etymology
The word “drought” originates from the Old English word “droht”, meaning “parched” or “withered”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*druhtiz”, related to the Proto-Indo-European root “*dʰreugh-“, meaning “to dry” or “to wither”.
Usage Notes
Drought is often used to describe a prolonged period of abnormally dry weather, but it can also refer to a lack of water supply in a specific region, such as a drought-induced water shortage.
Cultural References
The idea of drought has been referenced in various literary and artistic works, such as John Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath”, which describes the devastating effects of the Great Dust Bowl and subsequent drought on the American Great Plains.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Drought-stricken” – characterized by a severe and prolonged lack of rainfall.
- “Dry spell” – a prolonged period of little or no rainfall.
Related Words or Phrases
- Water scarcity
- Climate change
- Weather pattern
Collocations
- Drought and famine
- Drought and wildfires
- Drought and agriculture
Frequency of Use
Drought is a word that is commonly used in modern language, particularly in the context of climate change, water scarcity, and environmental issues.
Common Misspellings
- drouth
- drout