Freefall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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freefall
[หfriหfษหl ]
Definitions
skydiving
A freefall is the part of a skydiving jump when the skydiver is falling through the air without any resistance. During freefall, the skydiver experiences a feeling of weightlessness and exhilaration.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| freefall |
Used in situations where something or someone is rapidly falling without any form of control or resistance, often associated with skydiving or financial markets.
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| falling |
Describes the action of moving downward at any speed. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including physically falling down or metaphorically failing.
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| drop |
Used to describe a sudden downward movement or decrease. Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as temperature or prices.
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| descent |
Used to describe a downward movement, often controlled or gradual. Commonly used in contexts related to aviation, climbing, or social status.
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Examples of usage
- The instructor told the student to relax and enjoy the freefall.
- Her favorite part of skydiving is the adrenaline rush during freefall.
economy
Freefall can also refer to a sudden and sharp decline or drop in the value of something, such as a stock or currency.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| freefall |
Used to describe a rapid and uncontrolled decline, often in the context of financial markets or emotions.
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| plunge |
Used to describe a sudden and significant drop or dive, often with an element of risk or dramatic impact. Typically used for prices, temperatures, or emotional states.
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| crash |
Describes a sudden and dramatic failure or collision, commonly used for financial markets, computers, or vehicles. Often implies a violent or disruptive event.
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| collapse |
Refers to a sudden and complete breakdown or failure, often in structures, systems, or organizations. Also, can be used for exhaustion in a less severe way.
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Examples of usage
- The stock market went into freefall after the unexpected news.
- The company's profits went into freefall due to the economic downturn.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Physics
- Objects in freefall experience gravity pulling them down, causing them to accelerate at about 9.8 meters per second squared.
- Freefall demonstrates one of the fundamental principles of physics: Galileo's theory that all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight.
Aerospace
- In skydiving, freefall occurs after the parachutist jumps out of the plane and before they open their parachute.
- Freefalling can be used for training astronauts to understand weightlessness in space, as they experience a similar sensation during freefall.
Pop Culture
- The term 'freefall' appears in the title of several songs, reflecting themes of freedom and letting go.
- Movies and video games often feature freefall sequences as thrilling moments, emphasizing the rush of air and height.
Psychology
- While in freefall, individuals may experience a sense of exhilaration and adrenaline, often described as a 'freeing' sensation.
- Fear of falling, known as 'acrophobia,' can be intensified by the idea of freefalling, impacting how people approach heights or skydiving.
Education
- Teachers often create experiments illustrating freefall, using dropping objects to demonstrate gravity's effects in hands-on learning.
- Physics projects exploring freefall principles can engage students and encourage them to observe motion and forces in a fun way.
Origin of 'freefall'
The term 'freefall' originated in the early 20th century and was initially used in the context of physics to describe the motion of an object falling freely under the influence of gravity, without any air resistance. Over time, the term expanded to include the popular recreational activity of skydiving, where participants experience the thrill of freefalling through the sky. In the economic sense, 'freefall' gained prominence during times of financial crisis when there was a rapid and steep decline in market values.
See also: free, freebie, freed, freedom, freefaller, freefalling, freeing, freelancer, freely, freeway.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,035, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.