watershed
WAW-ter-shed
/ˈwɔːtəʃɛd/
An event or period marking a turning point in a course of action or state of affairs.
Implies a 'before and after' moment where everything changes and cannot go back to the way it was.
The story behind the word. Originally a geographical term for a ridge of land that separates two river systems. Just as a raindrop on a ridge must go one way or the other, a watershed moment forces history down a new path.
Word relationships
- turning point: 'Turning point' is the general term; 'watershed' is more formal and implies a division between two eras.
- milestone: A 'milestone' is a marker of progress; a 'watershed' is a moment that changes the direction of everything.
- continuation: The action of carrying on with something over a period of time.
- status quo: The existing state of affairs.
Commonly confused with
- catalyst: A 'catalyst' is what starts the change; a 'watershed' is the moment that defines the change.
Collocations
- watershed moment
- watershed event
- watershed year
Example sentences
- "The 1964 Civil Rights Act was a watershed in American history." Historical turning point.
- "The local watershed provides the city with all of its clean drinking water." Environmental science.
Memory hook
Think of water 'shedding' off a roof. Once it falls, it can't go back up; it's a point of no return. The point of no return.
When not to use
Don't use it for a minor milestone; it must be a definitive turning point.
Fun facts
- In British television, 'the watershed' refers to the time (9:00 PM) after which programs with adult content can be shown.
Explore more words
heretofore, milestone, epiphany, landmark, make a difference, cataclysm
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