PoliticsAugust 18, 2026

watershed

WAH-ter-shed

Definition

An event or period marking a critical turning point in a process or course of action.

Etymology

Originating in the early 19th century, the word originally referred to a line of high ground separating two river systems. It evolved figuratively to describe a decisive turning point or a milestone in history.

In the news

The article describes President Tinubu’s directive as a watershed because it marks a significant shift in Nigeria's democratic development toward more credible and fair elections.

Osun Poll: Tinubu’s Free, Fair Election Directive A Watershed For Democracy — APC G-37

Read the full article ↗

LEADERSHIP Newspapers

Related words

abolitionism

A social and political movement or ideology advocating for the total eradication of…

Politics

amnesty

A formal, legally binding pardon granted by a government to a group of people for past…

Politics

authoritarianism

A form of government or social system characterized by strong central power, limited…

Politics

backbencher

A member of a legislature who holds no official government office, such as a minister or…

Politics

bighas

A unit of land area used in parts of South Asia, varying in size by region but generally…

Politics

blight

An area of a city or town that has fallen into disrepair, decay, or neglect, often…

Politics

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.