Empolder

/ɛmˈpoʊldər/ verb

Definition

To convert low-lying land, especially marshland, into a polder (a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments).

Etymology

From Dutch 'polder' (low-lying land reclaimed from the sea) combined with the English prefix 'em-' (to enclose or put into). The Dutch developed this practice extensively along their coasts.

Kelly Says

The Netherlands literally built itself through empolderfing—they didn't just adapt to floods, they engineered entire regions of new land by pushing back the North Sea with dikes and drainage! This is how they created about 25% of their current territory.

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