'embankment' originates from the French word 'em' meaning 'in' and 'bank' meaning 'a raised area'.

'embankment' changed from the Old French word 'embanquer' and eventually became the modern English word 'embankment'.

Initially, it meant 'to enclose with a bank', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a raised structure to hold back water or support a road'.