Embankment Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛmbæŋkmənt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A structure built alongside a river or a sea to prevent flooding or erosion, or a natural formation of soil or rock along a shore.

Examples

• The city’s new embankment project aims to protect the coastline from rising sea levels.
• Embankments are crucial for the safety of coastal communities during storms.

Synonyms

• Dike
• Levee

Antonyms

• Flood
• Submerge

Additional Information

Embankments can be designed using various materials, including concrete, steel, and earth. They play a crucial role in protecting coastal communities and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. In agriculture, embankments are used to create fertile land and control water flow.

Embankments have been used for centuries to prevent flooding and erosion. The ancient Egyptians, for example, built embankments to protect their cities from the annual flooding of the Nile River. Modern embankments have become more sophisticated, incorporating advanced engineering techniques and materials to ensure their stability and effectiveness.

Etymology

The term “embankment” originates from the Old French word “embanquer,” meaning “to mound up.” It is derived from the Latin “in” and “murmulentum,” meaning “in the manner of a mound,” and has been used in English since the 15th century.

Usage Notes

Embankments are often used in a sentence to describe a structure or formation that is built or occurs along a river or sea.

For example: “The embankment along the river was damaged during the flood.” or “The city’s embankment project is designed to prevent erosion.”

Cultural References

In literature, embankments are often used as a symbol of protection or defense. In architecture, embankments are used to add visual interest and create a sense of grandeur.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Embanking the issue” means to tackle a complex problem by taking small steps or making incremental changes.

Related Words or Phrases

• Levee
• Dike
• Bank
• Coast

Collocations

• Embankment construction
• Coastal embankment
• River embankment

Frequency of Use

Embankments are commonly used in engineering, architecture, and environmental contexts, but their usage is not as widespread as other terms.

Common Misspellings

• Embanckment
• Embankmentt