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to canalize

to canalize

7.7
To direct water or other things into a particular path to control their movement
  • verb
  • /ˈkænəˌlaɪz/
translation icon : dirigir
  • The city decided to canalize the stream to control seasonal flooding.

Examples

  • Engineers are working to canalize excess water away from the fields.

  • The engineer canalized the river to prevent flooding.

  • Efforts to canalize public opinion were met with mixed reactions.

  • We need to canalize the water flow effectively.

  • The construction team will canalize the river to manage the water flow during the rainy season.

  • To improve irrigation, farmers decided to canalize the water from the lake into their fields.

  • The city planners aim to canalize stormwater runoff to reduce flooding in urban areas.

Synonyms

to channel
vsto canalize
130 4.4

To direct feelings, energy, or money toward a goal

moves items into a narrow path instead of aiming broadly at a purpose
to funnel
vsto canalize
69 4.1

To move something through a narrow opening or channel into one place

guides things into a path rather than pouring them through a narrow opening
to route
vsto canalize
26 3.5

To send something to a particular person or place

directs into a chosen path rather than aiming at a destination
to channelize
vsto canalize
  • US
1 7.9

To direct water or other flow into a channel to control it

guides things into a path without stressing confinement

Antonyms

5 6.0

To send someone the wrong way or give wrong directions

How Directed

to force
376 1.9
to canalize
7.7
to direct
617 3.7
to steer
224 1.6
to allow
1.0

Surface Forms

canalize infinitive
canalise infinitive
canalized past
canalised past
canalized past participle
canalised past participle
canalizing present participle
canalising present participle
canalizes third person singular
canalises third person singular

Morphology

canalize = canal (transparent) = canal + ize

The verb is formed by adding '-ize' to 'canal' to mean 'to direct or guide into a channel', a clear extension of the noun.

Etymology

Canalize comes from canal and the idea of a 'channel' that keeps a steady flow. So to canalize something is to direct or guide it into one path or flow, like directing water or people's attention.