Definition

A place or situation filled with many dangers or risks, often requiring careful navigation.

Example

Walking through the negotiations felt like crossing a minefield, with potential pitfalls at every turn.

Conversation

Walking through that old part of the city felt like a minefield of dangers.

Yeah, I noticed how many abandoned buildings there were.

Exactly! You never know what could happen there.

It's definitely a place where you need to be extra careful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Minefield → It is formed from "mine" (from Middle English *mine*, meaning an explosive device buried underground) and "field" (from Old English *feld*, meaning an open land or area). A minefield refers to an area of land that is filled with explosive mines, making it dangerous to traverse.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'field' that is filled with hidden 'mines' — this helps you remember that a minefield is a dangerous area filled with explosives.

Visually Confused Words