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

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

The grounds of the property have also been outfitted with “two custom-built treehouses with a drawbridge.”

From MarketWatch

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

"I keep thinking, we haven't got enough money to do everything for everybody," Mrs O'Neil said and "maybe we need to pull up the drawbridge, even if just for a little bit".

From BBC

Both clubs criticised each other over security arrangements and safety of the small number of travelling fans and inevitably drawbridges were pulled up completely.

From BBC