BATTENING DOWN Meaning and
Definition
-
Battening down refers to the act of securing or preparing something for an imminent or upcoming event, typically to protect it from potential harm or damage. The term can be traced back to the nautical industry, where it originally referred to the process of securing hatches and other openings on a ship before a storm or rough weather.
In a broader sense, battening down can also refer to the act of making preparations to protect oneself or one's property in anticipation of a negative or dangerous situation. This can encompass various contexts, such as securing a house before a hurricane or storm, reinforcing defenses before a battle or conflict, or taking precautions before an anticipated crisis or event.
In practical terms, battening down may involve activities like securing loose objects, closing windows and doors, strengthening structures, fastening or tying down movable items, gathering supplies or assets, and overall ensuring that everything is in a safe and secure state. The goal is to prevent potential damage, minimize risks, and ensure safety for both individuals and property.
Overall, battening down involves taking proactive measures to safeguard against potential threats, whether natural or man-made. It is a term widely used in contexts where preparedness and readiness are paramount, emphasizing the importance of taking necessary precautions to mitigate risks and protect oneself and one's possessions.
Common Misspellings for BATTENING DOWN
- vattening down
- nattening down
- hattening down
- gattening down
- bzttening down
- bsttening down
- bwttening down
- bqttening down
- bartening down
- baftening down
- bagtening down
- baytening down
- ba6tening down
- ba5tening down
- batrening down
- batfening down
- batgening down
- batyening down
- bat6ening down
- bat5ening down
Etymology of BATTENING DOWN
The term "battening down" comes from the nautical phrase "batten down the hatches". In sailing, hatches are the openings in the deck that provide access to the lower parts of the ship. When a storm is approaching or rough weather is expected, sailors secure the hatches by covering them with wooden battens (thin strips of wood) and securing them tightly with ropes or nails. This is done to prevent water from entering the ship's interior, keeping it dry and preventing damage. Over time, "batten down the hatches" has been shortened to simply "battening down", and its usage has expanded to refer to securing or preparing something for a potential disaster.
