ditch

ditch · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A narrow channel dug in the ground, typically for drainage alongside a road or field.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) To get rid of or abandon something or someone.

  3. 3.

    (Informal) To skip or avoid an obligation.

  4. 4.

    To make a forced landing on water (of an aircraft).

Forms

plural: ditches

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Last-ditch effort — A final desperate attempt.
  • •
    Ditch class/school — To skip class (slang).
  • •
    Die in a ditch — To fight or argue to the very end.

Related words

See also: abandon, channel, trench
Synonyms: channel, drain, gully, trench

Etymology

From Old English dic ("ditch, dike"), related to Dutch dijk and German Teich ("pond"). The verb sense of "abandon" is American slang from the early 20th century.