Definition

An embankment built along a river to prevent flooding by keeping the water within its banks.

Example

The city built a levee to protect against potential flooding during the rainy season.

Conversation

Have you seen the new levee they built by the river?

Yeah, it looks really sturdy and well-designed.

I heard it was built to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

That’s smart! It's important to protect the area from overflow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To provide a raised structure along a river or body of water to prevent flooding.

Example

The city built a levee to protect against rising waters.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know they plan to levee the riverbanks next month?

Really? That sounds like a big project.

Yeah, I hope it helps prevent flooding in the area.

Root Explanation

Levee → It originates from the French word *levée*, meaning 'to raise' or 'to lift'. The term refers to an embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river, thus raising the land to protect against flooding.

Memory Tip

Think of the French word for 'to raise' — that's what a levee does; it raises the land to protect it from water.

Visually Confused Words