undamv.
1. transitive. To release from a dam. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > sudden rush of water > [verb (transitive)] > send down
undam1697
flash1791
the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [verb (transitive)] > impound water > dam > release from confinement or dam
unpend1565
undam1697
society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > liberation > set free [verb (transitive)] > free from restraint > of utterances, passions, or thoughts
unbridlea1440
unrein1567
unchain1793
unbottle1862
undam1885
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 54 The wary Ploughman, on the Mountain's Brow, Undams his watry Stores. View more context for this quotation
1885 Pall Mall Gaz. 27 Oct. 5/1 A stream of impertinent chatter such as the most voluble sciolist would hesitate to undam.
2. To deprive of a protective dam.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > endanger [verb (transitive)] > leave unprotected or unsheltered > deprive of protection
devest1652
undama1713
unguard1749
a1713 A. Pitcairne in Notes & Queries 5th Ser. VIII. 498/1 Amphibious wretches, Sudden be your fall! May man undam you, And God damn you all! (Cf. [see undamn v.]. )
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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