flood

 

When water levels increase due to natural or unnatural causes, use the word "flood" to describe the situation. Floods are caused when there’s too much rain or a large containment of water breaks.

flood

A large storm caused flooding.

There aren’t too many places in the world that don’t have a flood occur at one time or another. This is what the word looks like when it’s used as a noun:

  • A large flood wiped out several areas of the city.
  • Many people were affected by the flood.
  • A flood forced people from their homes.
  • Flooding is a problem during and after a storm. ("Flooding" in this sentence is a gerund and it acts as the subject.)
  • Flooding and high winds are causing power outages.

You can use "flood" as a verb, but sometimes this word has nothing to do with water. Instead, it describes a large, sudden increase of activity:

simplepastpast participle
flood
flooded
flooded
  • My inbox is flooded with junk mail.
  • The police department was flooded with phone calls during the emergency.
  • Football fans flooded onto the field after their team won the game.
  • Heavy rains flooded the streets of the city.
  • Our basement was flooded with several inches of water after a week of rain.

Click here to learn more words.

July 28, 2014