noun
barrage
An artificial barrier that controls a river or tide.
The barrage controls the flow of water across the river mouth.
Etymology
The French verb means to bar or block. A barrage puts that action into a physical structure, obstructing water so its flow or level can be controlled.
More examples
- Engineers inspect the gates in the barrage.
- The proposed tidal barrage divides local opinion.
- Two barrages regulate water levels along the river.
Forms
barrage · barrages