


1. A gate used to control the flow of a body of water. Also called water gate.
2. Something that restrains a flood or outpouring: The ruling opened the floodgates to refugees seeking asylum.


1. (Civil Engineering) Also called: head gate or water gate a gate in a sluice that is used to control the flow of water. See also sluicegate
2. (often plural) a control or barrier against an outpouring or flow: to open the floodgates to immigration.



1. a gate designed to regulate the flow of water.
2. anything serving to control the indiscriminate flow or passage of something.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.floodgate - something that restrains a flood or outpouringfloodgate - something that restrains a flood or outpouring; "suspension of surveillance opened the floodgates to illegal immigrants"
restraint - a rule or condition that limits freedom; "legal restraints"; "restraints imposed on imports"
2.floodgate - regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluicefloodgate - regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice
regulator - any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.
sluice, sluiceway, penstock - conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate


[ˈflʌdgeɪt] Ncompuerta f, esclusa f
References in classic literature ?
And it is a remarkable example of the confusion into which the present age has fallen; of the obliteration of landmarks, the opening of floodgates, and the uprooting of distinctions," says Sir Leicester with stately gloom, "that I have been informed by Mr.
From the village school of Chesney Wold, intact as it is this minute, to the whole framework of society; from the whole framework of society, to the aforesaid framework receiving tremendous cracks in consequence of people (iron-masters, lead-mistresses, and what not) not minding their catechism, and getting out of the station unto which they are called--necessarily and for ever, according to Sir Leicester's rapid logic, the first station in which they happen to find themselves; and from that, to their educating other people out of THEIR stations, and so obliterating the landmarks, and opening the floodgates, and all the rest of it; this is the swift progress of the Dedlock mind.
Not a cousin of the batch but is amazed to hear from Sir Leicester at breakfast-time of the obliteration of landmarks, and opening of floodgates, and cracking of the framework of society, manifested through Mrs.
I grasped my whip with more determined energy than before - but still forbore to raise it, and rode on in silence, waiting for some more tangible cause of offence, before I opened the floodgates of my soul and poured out the dammed-up fury that was foaming and swelling within.
Louis perceived that he had gone too far; that the gates of the Bastile were still closed upon him, whilst, by degrees, the floodgates were gradually being opened, behind which the generous-hearted Fouquet had restrained his anger.
Associations thus awakened, opened floodgates of sorrow.
5) floodgate and the cycling trails along First and Second MacArthur Bridges.