Definition

A mistake made in tennis when the server does not keep both feet behind the starting line before hitting the ball.

Example

The player lost the point due to a footfault during the serve.

Conversation

Did you see that last match?

Yeah, it was intense! I can't believe he made a footfault at such a crucial moment.

Right? That kind of mistake can really cost you the game.

Definitely! It’s one of those things that can change the whole match.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Footfault → The word is formed from 'foot' (from Old English 'fōt', meaning the lower extremity of the leg) and 'fault' (from Old French 'faulte', meaning a mistake or error). A footfault refers to a mistake made with the foot, particularly in sports like tennis, where a player steps on or over the line during a serve.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'foot' being involved in a 'mistake' ('fault') — that's why a footfault is a mistake made with the foot.

Visually Confused Words