Definition

A raised area made of earth or stone that is built to prevent water from flooding an area or to support a road.

Example

The workers built an embankment to protect the village from flooding.

Conversation

Have you seen the new park by the river?

Yeah, I love it! The embankment there is perfect for walking.

It really is nice; I enjoyed the view from the top.

Me too! It's a great spot to relax and watch the sunset.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embankment → It is formed from "em-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "bank" (from Old English "banc", meaning a mound or raised area). The suffix "-ment" (meaning the result of an action) indicates the result of creating a raised area. An embankment is thus the result of creating a raised structure, typically to hold back water or support a road.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be in' ('em-') a 'raised area' ('bank') — that's why an embankment is a structure that holds something in place.

Visually Confused Words