Floodgate

In general, a floodgate is a fan term which refers to a card with a continuous effect which restricts the action of one or both players (some examples being Macro Cosmos, Skill Drain, and Vanity's Emptiness. Most notable floodgates are Continuous Trap Cards, though some come in the form of Spell Cards (e.g. Necrovalley) or monsters (e.g. Majesty's Fiend, Vanity's Fiend). Floodgates tend to see widespread play due to their ability to paralyze an opponent's deck if protected.