IPA: /ˈflætˌfʊt/
KK: /ˈflætˌfʊt/
To walk in a way that the entire foot touches the ground at once, often making a heavy or clumsy sound.
He flatfooted along the path, making it clear he was not trying to be quiet.
Past: flatfooted
Past Participle: flatfooted
A condition where the arch of the foot is flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the ground, or an informal term for a person with this condition. It can also refer to a slang term for a police officer.
He was diagnosed with flatfoot and advised to wear special shoes.
Flatfoot → The word is formed from "flat" (from Old English *flet*, meaning level or even) and "foot" (from Old English *fōt*, meaning the lower limb of the body). The term "flatfoot" refers to a condition where the arch of the foot is flattened, making the foot appear flat.
Think of a 'flat' surface ('flat') and a 'foot' — together they describe a foot that is level and lacks an arch.