FLOODGATE

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

Meaning:

Regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice

Synonyms:

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("floodgate" is a kind of...):

regulator (any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)

Holonyms ("floodgate" is a part of...):

penstock; sluice; sluiceway (conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate)

Meaning:

Something that restrains a flood or outpouring

Example:

suspension of surveillance opened the floodgates to illegal immigrants

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("floodgate" is a kind of...):

restraint (a rule or condition that limits freedom)