# grounding

/ˈɡɹaʊndɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈaʊndɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grounding
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. basic knowledge

noun · CEFR B2

a solid start or basic training in a subject that helps you understand it better later.

For teachers: the provision of fundamental knowledge or a basic background in a specific field or discipline.

- The course gives students a good grounding in the history of art.
- A thorough grounding in classical mathematics is essential before one can hope to grasp the complexities of quantum physics.

### 2. punishment for a child

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a punishment where a child or teenager is not allowed to go out or use their phone.

For teachers: the act of restricting a minor's social activities or access to electronics as a disciplinary measure.

- His grounding lasted for two weeks after he failed his math test.
- The teenager complained that a month-long grounding was an excessive response to a single missed curfew.

### 3. aviation/nautical restriction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the act of stopping a ship or plane from moving or taking off.

For teachers: the prohibition of an aircraft from flight or the accidental contact of a vessel's hull with the seabed.

- The grounding of all flights was caused by a heavy snowstorm.
- Following the discovery of a structural flaw, the aviation authority ordered the immediate grounding of the entire fleet for safety inspections.

### 4. electrical safety

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · American English

connecting an electrical circuit to the earth to make it safe.

For teachers: the process of connecting an electrical circuit to a conducting body, such as the earth, to ensure safety and prevent shock.

- Proper grounding of the washing machine prevents electric shocks.
- The technician checked the grounding of the server rack to ensure that static discharge would not damage the sensitive components.

Usage: In British English, this is almost always referred to as 'earthing'.

## Examples

- The course provides a solid grounding in basic math.
- The captain faced an inquiry after the accidental grounding of the ship on a hidden sandbar during the storm.
- A thorough grounding in classical theory is essential for any student wishing to understand the complexities of modern economic policy and its historical precedents.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.