Definition

To build a raised structure, often made of earth or stone, to hold back water or support a road.

Example

They decided to embank the river to prevent flooding in the nearby fields.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see the construction near the river?

Yeah, they're going to embank it to prevent flooding.

That makes sense; we had such a bad flood last year.

Exactly, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embank → It is formed from "em-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "bank" (from Old English "banc", meaning a mound or raised area). The word "embank" means to create a raised structure, typically to hold back water or support a roadway.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be in' ('em-') a 'raised area' ('bank') — that's why embank means to create a raised structure.

Visually Confused Words