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DictionarydikeWater barrier
noun / verb

dike

DYKE/daɪk/

An embankment that holds back water.

The dike holds the sea back from the lower fields.

Coastal earthen dike holding back high blue sea from lower green fields and houses, clear section relationship.
Etymology
dikeOld Englishditch, trench, earthwork

The word first named an excavation, then the bank of earth thrown up beside it. That raised bank became the focus of the meaning, especially as a barrier against flooding.

In context

Frederic Obrien25:21
dike was blown up the water started flowing the locks were filled
The History of the Panama Canal documentary

More examples

  • Workers strengthen the dike before the rainy season.
  • The land was diked to hold back seawater.
  • Water begins to seep through a damaged section of the dike.

Forms

dike · dikes · diked · diking

Similar words

levee
Usually an embankment beside a river to prevent flooding.
dam
A dam blocks flow across a watercourse; a dike commonly forms a retaining barrier along an area.