A person who constructs bridges; literally an engineer or construction worker specializing in bridges; also used figuratively for someone who creates connections or reconciles differences between groups.
From 'bridge' and 'builder' (one who builds). The compound emerged as bridge construction became a specialized profession, and the metaphorical sense developed as 'bridge' became symbolic of connection and division-crossing.
The metaphorical use of 'bridgebuilder' for a peacemaker or diplomat is so natural that we rarely think about it—but it shows how physical, spatial concepts shape how we think about abstract relationships, and how building infrastructure literally inspired our vocabulary for social and political connection.
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