Definition

A natural disaster where a large amount of mud and debris flows down a slope, often caused by heavy rain or earthquakes.

Example

After the heavy rain, a mudslide blocked the road and caused significant damage.

Conversation

Did you hear about the mudslide that happened in the mountains?

Yeah, I saw it on the news; it looked really serious.

I hope everyone is safe after that mudslide.

Me too, it's so scary how nature can change everything so quickly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mudslide → The word is formed from "mud" (from Old English "mudd", meaning wet earth or soft soil) and "slide" (from Old English "slidan", meaning to glide or move smoothly). A mudslide refers to the movement of wet earth or soil that glides down a slope.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wet earth' ('mud') that 'glides' ('slide') down a slope — that's what a mudslide is.

Visually Confused Words