Watershed

A watershed, in its broadest sense, signifies a crucial turning point or a dividing line, often marking a significant change or development. It can represent a moment of historical importance, a major shift in thought or action, or a boundary that separates different areas or ideas. The term also applies literally to the ridge of land separating areas drained by different river systems, describing the geographical area contributing water to a particular river, lake, or ocean. Its use varies from scientific and geographical contexts to more abstract, metaphorical applications, underscoring its versatility. A watershed event can drastically alter future outcomes, representing a pivotal moment in a process or chain of events that leads to fundamentally different results.

Watershed meaning with examples

• The invention of the printing press was a historical watershed, drastically altering the dissemination of information and fostering literacy across Europe. It's impact reshaped society. Its transformative effects influenced many facets of life.
• The Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education represented a watershed moment in the civil rights movement. The ruling's long-lasting effect ended segregation, and was a victory over discrimination. It reshaped legal thought.
• The collapse of the Berlin Wall was a political watershed. It symbolized the end of the Cold War, leading to a new era of international relations. It marked a significant shift in power and alliances.
• The discovery of penicillin was a medical watershed, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and ushering in the age of antibiotics. The advance changed the landscape of health. Its effects can be seen daily.
• For a river system, the mountain range acts as a watershed, determining which direction the rainwater and melted snow will flow, to which basin they would go. It's vital in the ecological balance. It's a natural feature.