Dam Meaning
Dam Definition & Usage
A barrier built to hold back or control the flow of water, typically used to create a reservoir or to prevent flooding.
Examples
- "The Hoover Dam is one of the largest dams in the world."
- "A dam was built across the river to prevent flooding during the rainy season."
- "The construction of the dam took over five years to complete."
- "The town relied on the dam for its water supply."
- "After the dam broke, the downstream villages were severely affected."
To block or stop the flow of water or other substances, typically in a river or canal, using a dam or similar structure.
Examples
- "They dammed the river to create a lake for recreational activities."
- "The engineers decided to dam the stream to reduce erosion."
- "The project will involve damming the river at several points."
- "He was tasked with damming the spillway to prevent further damage."
- "The floodwaters started to recede after they successfully dammed the river."
A slang term used to express frustration or surprise, often used in place of an expletive.
Examples
- "Dam, that was a close call!"
- "I can't believe I forgot to bring my umbrella—dam!"
- "Dam, I lost the game again!"
- "Oh dam, I thought I was going to make it on time."
- "She slammed the door and muttered, 'Dam!' under her breath."
Cultural Context
The word 'dam' is historically linked to the engineering of water-control structures, which have been in existence for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Romans and Egyptians built early forms of dams for irrigation, water supply, and flood control. In modern times, dams have become symbols of both human ingenuity and the potential environmental risks of large-scale water management projects.
The Dam of Secrets
Story
The Dam of Secrets
In a quiet village nestled between rugged hills, the construction of a new dam became the talk of the town. Maria, a young engineer, had been assigned to oversee its construction. The villagers were both excited and anxious; the dam promised to prevent floods and provide a new reservoir for irrigation, but many were suspicious of its potential impact on their land. Maria stood at the riverbank one evening, the distant sound of machinery humming in the air. 'This dam could change everything for us,' she murmured to herself. As the days passed, Maria began to notice something strange. Every time they dammed a section of the river, something hidden within the water seemed to stir. Old ruins, once thought to be part of a forgotten civilization, slowly began to emerge. One evening, she found an ancient tablet inscribed with mysterious symbols beneath the rising waters. It was then that Maria realized the dam was not just a project of engineering—it was a barrier between the past and the present. The village’s elders had warned her that certain things were better left undisturbed. But now, with the dam nearly complete, she had to decide: Should she report the discovery to the authorities, or keep the secrets buried beneath the water? With a heavy heart, she made her decision, and that night, she quietly dammed the flow of information to the outside world. The village remained blissfully unaware of the ancient secrets now sealed beneath the dam’s mighty walls. As Maria gazed at the dam, her mind was filled with conflicting thoughts. 'Perhaps some things are better left undammed,' she whispered to herself, watching the river flow peacefully by.
Related Words
