dam
dam
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "dam" is /dæm/.
/dæm/
Word Form Variations
Singular noun: dam
Plural noun: dams
Verb (base form): dam
Verb (third-person singular present): dams
Verb (present participle): damming
Verb (past tense/past participle): rammed
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A barrier constructed across a watercourse to obstruct the flow of water, often creating a reservoir or diverting water for various purposes like irrigation, power generation, or flood control.
Synonyms: barrier, dike, levee, embankment, wall, weir
Antonyms: opening, channel (in the sense of an unobstructed path)
Definition 2: (Informal, archaic, or dialectal) A mother, especially of an animal.
Synonyms: mother, mater (informal), matriarch
Antonyms: sire, father
Verb
Definition 1: To build a barrier across a watercourse, thereby obstructing or controlling the flow of water.
Synonyms: block, obstruct, hinder, hold back, stem, barricade
Antonyms: release, unleash, free, unblock, open
Definition 2: To stop or hold back a flow or outpouring (often metaphorical, as in emotions or speech).
Synonyms: suppress, curb, restrain, stifle, check, inhibit
Antonyms: unleash, vent, express, release, allow
Examples of Use
Books:
"The construction of the Aswan High Dam fundamentally altered the landscape and agricultural practices along the Nile, a topic extensively discussed in 'A History of Modern Egypt' by P.J. Vatikiotis."
"In 'The Grapes of Wrath,' the Joads face the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl, a period when natural forces and human-made agricultural practices, or lack thereof, essentially 'dammed' the land's ability to sustain life."
Newspapers:
"The recent rains have significantly increased water levels behind the Oroville Dam, alleviating concerns about drought for the upcoming summer" ( The Sacramento Bee).
"Environmental groups are protesting plans for a new hydro-electric dam on the Mekong River, citing potential impacts on local ecosystems and communities" ( The Guardian).
Online Publications:
"Engineers are constantly monitoring the structural integrity of the Hoover Dam, a marvel of civil engineering that continues to provide power to millions" ( National Geographic Online).
"How beavers dam streams can create new wetlands, fostering biodiversity and naturally filtering water" ( Audubon.org).
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the 1957 film "The Bridge on the River Kwai," prisoners of war are forced to build a railway bridge, which, while not a dam, is a significant engineering feat constructed for a military purpose, similar in scale and challenge to a dam. The theme of controlling natural forces and human will is present.
Video Game: In the popular video game "Minecraft," players can build elaborate structures, including "dams" to control water flow for farming or other purposes within their virtual worlds.
Television Series: An episode of the documentary series "Nova" might feature "The Grand Coulee Dam: A Wonder of the Modern World," exploring its history, construction, and impact.
General Public Discourse:
"After the heavy snowfall, the local creek was so swollen it looked like it was going to dam up and overflow its banks."
"She tried to dam her tears, but the emotion was too strong, and they flowed freely."
"The old farmer pointed to the ewe with her lamb and said, 'That's the finest dam I've ever had on this farm.'"
10 Quotes Using Dam
"I'm going to dam him with faint praise." (Oscar Wilde, often attributed)
"What a dam shame." (Often attributed to various figures, including Winston Churchill, in casual conversation)
"Build a dam and stop the river, but you will find that the water will eventually find its way around." (African Proverb)
"They tried to dam the flow of information, but the truth always finds a way out." (Attributed to various sources, reflecting a common sentiment)
"A man who wants to build a dam must first understand the river." (Chinese Proverb)
"You can't dam human nature." (Common idiom)
"Don't dam the water upstream if you want to drink it downstream." (Environmental proverb)
"Every new dam is a blow against the ancient rhythm of the river." (Attributed to environmental activists)
"The Grand Coulee Dam stands as a testament to what humans can achieve." (From various historical and engineering accounts)
"You can't dam the ocean with a tea cup." (Irish Proverb)
Etymology
The word "dam" has two main origins, leading to its two distinct meanings:
"Dam" as a barrier for water:
This meaning of "dam" comes from a very old Germanic root, specifically from *Proto-Germanic dammaz. We don't have direct written evidence of Proto-Germanic (it's a reconstructed language), but linguists figure it out by looking at how words changed across different Germanic languages over time. From dammaz, the word developed into forms like Old Norse dammr and Middle Dutch dam.
The first known use of "dam" in English, referring to a "barrier across a stream of water to obstruct its flow," appeared around the 13th century in surnames and then more broadly around 1400. So, for about 600-700 years, English speakers have been using "dam" to mean a structure that holds back water. Its original meaning was likely something like "dyke created by excavating earth" or "that which is set or established.""Dam" as a mother (of an animal):
This meaning of "dam" has a completely different origin. It's a shortened or altered form of the word "dame." The word "dame" itself comes from the Old French word dame, which meant "lady, mistress, wife." This, in turn, came from the Latin domina, meaning "lady, mistress of the house."
The first known use of "dam" in English to refer to the "female parent of a quadruped" (an animal with four feet) was in the mid-15th century. Originally, "dam" and "dame" were somewhat interchangeable in Middle English, but by the 16th century, their meanings branched off, with "dam" specifically referring to the mother of an animal.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dam
Dam burst/break: Refers to a situation where pent-up emotions or something previously restrained suddenly gives way.
Dam up: To hold back or control a flow, often of emotions or water.
To dam the flood: To attempt to stop an overwhelming flow or a difficult situation.
Don't dam the river of progress: An idiom encouraging acceptance of change and advancement.
Behind the dam: Referring to something held back or concealed.
A dam of tears: A metaphorical phrase for someone trying to hold back crying.
A dam against the storm: (Original) A metaphorical barrier offering protection against a difficult period.
Build a dam around your heart: (Original) To protect oneself emotionally from hurt.
The dam of silence: (Original) Referring to a strong barrier of quiet or unresponsiveness.
As solid as a dam: (Original) Indicating extreme strength and stability.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dam from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
