drawbridge

[ draw-brij ]

noun

1. a bridge of which the whole or a section may be drawn up, let down, or drawn aside, to prevent access or to leave a passage open for boats, barges, etc.

drawbridge

/ ˈdrɔːˌbrɪdʒ /

noun

1. a bridge that may be raised to prevent access or to enable vessels to pass

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawbridge¹

First recorded in 1300–50, drawbridge is from the Middle English word drawebrigge. See draw, bridge ¹

Example Sentences

Shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake accused the government of "pulling up the drawbridge on home ownership and limiting aspiration and social mobility".

From BBC

Jack wondered if the dragon’s lower jaw might actually be a drawbridge; it certainly was in the right place.

From Literature

Like many of the other castles on the list, it has secret passages, a drawbridge and moat, a chapel and a torture chamber — but this Napa Valley castle offers wine tastings as well as tours.

From Seattle Times

“It’s like a drawbridge. But instead of opening on top, like a drawbridge does, it swings to the side. Listen—do you hear it?”

From Literature

The brain, “our last fortress,” is profoundly private — and deserves regulatory drawbridges.

From Seattle Times