Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun floodgate

2 senses of floodgate

Sense 1
floodgate -- (something that restrains a flood or outpouring; "suspension of surveillance opened the floodgates to illegal immigrants")
       => restraint -- (a rule or condition that limits freedom; "legal restraints"; "restraints imposed on imports")

Sense 2
sluicegate, sluice valve, floodgate, penstock, head gate, water gate -- (regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice)
       => regulator -- (any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)