drawbridge

American  

[draw-brij] / ˈdrɔˌbrɪdʒ /

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.

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drawbridge British  

/ ˈdrɔːˌbrɪdʒ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of drawbridge

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

Example Sentences

Those ties were broken when he walked away and pulled up the drawbridge behind him.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

In any case, simply pulling up the drawbridge, hoisting the “independence” flag, and pouring boiling scorn on the barbarians at the gate isn’t a viable response.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Stena Line's investment will pay for a new linkspan, a type of drawbridge which allows vessels to move on and off a ferry.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2025

“In every generation, some Americans prefer isolation to engagement — and they try to pull up the drawbridge, they try to kick loose the cornerstone of American leadership,” he said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 2, 2023

On the other side of the town a drawbridge crossed the river, connecting Ravenel with the three sea islands that separated the town from the Atlantic Ocean.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy