waterlog
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to cause (a boat, ship, etc.) to become uncontrollable as a result of flooding.
-
to soak, fill, or saturate with water so as to make soggy or useless.
verb (used without object)
Etymology
Origin of waterlog
First recorded in 1770–80; apparently back formation from waterlogged
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Critics say their dams can flood and waterlog fields while the animals themselves can feed on certain agricultural crops and damage trees.
From BBC • May 5, 2025
"Beavers can flood and waterlog fields, feed on agricultural crops like maize, as well as damage and fell trees such as cricket bat willow."
From BBC • Feb. 28, 2025
Not at Marvel's oversaturation – we passed the waterlog point long ago.
From Salon • Jul. 31, 2023
Frequent irrigations with saltwater drops may "waterlog" the membranes, spread infections.
From Time Magazine Archive
The wood was soft, felt soft to the point of his knife, and he thought that might mean they would waterlog, but then he decided it wouldn’t matter.
From "The River" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
