Definition

A situation where rocks fall from a high place, often due to gravity or erosion.

Example

The hikers were warned about the possibility of a rockfall in the area.

Conversation

Did you hear about the rockfall near the hiking trail?

Yeah, I saw the news! That sounds really dangerous.

I hope no one got hurt in that rockfall incident.

Me too! We should be careful if we decide to go hiking there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rockfall → It is formed from "rock" (from Old English "rocc", meaning a solid mineral material) and "fall" (from Old English "feallan", meaning to drop or descend). The word "rockfall" describes the event of rocks dropping or descending, typically from a cliff or steep slope.

Memory Tip

Picture rocks 'dropping' ('fall') from a solid 'mineral material' ('rock') — that's what a rockfall is.

Visually Confused Words