Definition

1. Noun:
   • A movable bridge that can be raised, lowered, or swung aside: A "drawbridge" is a type of bridge, typically at the entrance to a castle, fort, or modern canal, that can be moved to block passage across a gap or to allow water traffic to pass underneath.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The castle's drawbridge was raised every night for security.
  • We had to wait for the drawbridge to lower so we could cross the canal.

Advanced Usage

• "To raise/lower the drawbridge": This phrase is used literally to describe the operation of the bridge and metaphorically to describe opening or closing access to something.
  • The company raised the drawbridge on new investments after the market crash. (Metaphorical use meaning they stopped allowing new investments.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bascule bridge (n): A specific type of drawbridge that pivots on a horizontal axis, often counterbalanced.
  • The city replaced the old drawbridge with a modern bascule bridge.
• Lift bridge (n): A drawbridge that is raised vertically.
• Swing bridge (n): A drawbridge that rotates horizontally to open.

Synonyms

• Movable bridge: A general term for any bridge that can be moved to allow passage beneath it.

Related Phrases

• "Drawbridge mentality": An idiom describing an attitude of wanting to isolate oneself or one's community from outsiders, often after having achieved a desired position.
  • After buying the house on the hill, he developed a drawbridge mentality, wanting no new neighbors.

Noun

1. a bridge that can be raised to block passage or to allow boats or ships to pass beneath it