Definition

A type of bridge that can be lifted or moved to allow boats or ships to pass underneath or to block access.

Example

The drawbridge opened to let the large ship sail through the river.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a drawbridge in action?

Yeah, I saw one open up when a boat passed through the river.

That must have been really cool to watch the drawbridge lift.

It was! I didn't realize how quickly they could operate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Drawbridge → The word is formed from "draw" (from Old English "dragan", meaning to pull or drag) and "bridge" (from Old English "brycg", meaning a structure built to span a physical obstacle). A drawbridge is a bridge that can be pulled up or drawn back to allow passage or to block access.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pulling' ('draw') a 'structure' ('bridge') to allow or block passage — that's what a drawbridge does.

Visually Confused Words