Usage Note
Colmater is used both literally — sealing a crack, breach, or leak — and figuratively, as in colmater un déficit (to plug a deficit) or colmater une brèche (to fill a gap in a defensive line). It is a practical, technical-register verb found in construction, military, and financial contexts. The noun colmatage refers to the act of sealing or silting up.
Examples
"Il faut colmater la brèche rapidement."
Natural Translation
The breach must be sealed quickly.
Literal Translation
It is necessary to seal the breach quickly.
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