moat
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /moʊt/
KK: /moʊt/
noun
Definition
A deep, wide ditch that is often filled with water, surrounding a castle or fort to protect it from attacks.
Example
The castle was surrounded by a deep moat filled with water to keep enemies away.
Conversation
Did you see the moat around that old castle we visited?
Yeah, it looked so cool and ancient!
I wonder how deep the moat really is.
Probably deep enough to keep enemies away back in the day!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ditch
trench
channel
Antonyms
land
hill
plain
transitive verb
Definition
To surround a place with a deep, wide ditch filled with water, often to protect it from attackers.
Example
The castle was moated to keep enemies at bay.
Tense Forms
Past: moated
Past Participle: moated
Conversation
Did you see how they moat the castle in that movie?
Yeah, it looked so cool and protective!
I wonder if they really used moats back in the day.
Root Explanation
Moat → The word 'moat' originates from Old French 'mote' (meaning a mound or earthwork) and is derived from the Latin 'mūta' (meaning a mound or hill). A moat is a deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle or fort, often filled with water, which serves as a defensive barrier.
Memory Tip
Picture a 'mound' ('mote') of earth that surrounds a castle, creating a protective barrier — that's what a moat is.
Visually Confused Words
morat
oat
mot
mat
movant
morate
bemoat