debouch

[ dih-boosh, -bouch ]

verb (used without object)

1. to march out from a narrow or confined place into open country, as a body of troops:

   The platoon debouched from the defile into the plain.

2. Physical Geography.
   1. to emerge from a relatively narrow valley upon an open plain:

      A river or glacier debouches on the plains.

   2. to flow from a small valley into a larger one.
3. to come forth; emerge.

noun

1. débouché.

debouch

/ dɪˈbaʊtʃ /

verb

1. intr (esp of troops) to move into a more open space, as from a narrow or concealed place
2. intr (of a river, glacier, etc) to flow from a valley into a larger area or body

noun

1. Also calleddébouchédebuʃe fortifications an outlet or passage, as for the exit of troops

Word History and Origins

Origin of debouch¹

1655–65; < French déboucher, equivalent to dé- dis- ¹ + -boucher, verbal derivative of bouche mouth < Latin bucca cheek, jaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of debouch¹

C18: from French déboucher, from dé- dis ¹+ bouche mouth, from Latin bucca cheek

Example Sentences

We debouched from the bus feeling shaken but freshly energized, like we’d busted out of a hostage situation.

From New York Times

Precisely three minutes behind schedule, the Dutch planned-death establishment debouched for refreshments.

From The Guardian

It would subside for a time and I'd think the blockage had cleared, but then a few days later up it returned, debouching on to the floor, buckling the parquet.

From BBC

Moreover, he has built the new glaciers in places where they will thaw at exactly the right time, and debouch their contents directly onto farmers’ fields.

From Economist

After having mastered exhaustion and fatigue, the Believers debouched in the sandy bed of a broad wadi which seemed to their bruised and bleeding feet like a carpet of the richest pile.

From Project Gutenberg