Dredge
Verb
Definition: To clear the bed of (a harbor, river, or other area of water) by scooping out mud, weeds, and rubbish with a dredge.
Synonyms: Excavate, Scoop, Remove
Antonyms: Deposit, Settle, Accumulate
- The company was hired to dredge the river to improve navigation.
- They are planning to dredge the harbor to increase its capacity.
Etymology:
The word "dredge" originated from the Middle English word "dregge," which referred to a vessel or bucket used for dredging. It can be traced back to the Old English word "drecgan," meaning to extract or dig out.
Historical Usage:Dredging has been used since ancient times for various purposes such as clearing waterways, mining resources, and land reclamation. The modern use of dredging equipment emerged during the Industrial Revolution.
Related Idioms:
"Dredge something up"
Explanation:This phrase means to bring up or uncover something from the past, often referring to old memories or past events.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "dredge" with "dredge up"
Explanation:"Dredge" refers to the act of clearing the bed of a waterbody, while "dredge up" specifically refers to bringing up something from the past. These two phrases have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.