Freefaller Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
freefaller
[หfriหหfษหlษr ]
Definitions
extreme sports
A person who participates in the sport of freefalling, where they jump from an aircraft and fall freely before deploying a parachute. Freefallers often perform acrobatic maneuvers during their descent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
freefaller |
Typically refers to someone who participates in freefall, a part of skydiving where the participant falls freely before deploying the parachute. This term highlights the specific phase of skydiving where the person is falling without any additional control.
|
skydiver |
Best used to refer to someone who participates in the sport of jumping from an aircraft and performing acrobatic maneuvers during freefall before deploying a parachute. This term is often associated with recreation or competitive sports.
|
parachutist |
Describes someone who uses a parachute to descend from high altitudes. This general term applies to military personnel, recreational jumpers, and anyone else who engages in parachuting.
|
Examples of usage
- He is an experienced freefaller and has completed over 100 jumps.
- The freefaller executed a perfect somersault before opening his parachute.
physics
An object or body falling under the sole influence of gravity, without any other forces acting upon it. In a freefall, the only force acting on the object is gravity.
Synonyms
falling body, plummeting object.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
freefaller |
This term is often used to describe a person who is intentionally jumping from a height, such as a skydiver before opening their parachute.
|
falling body |
This term is typically used in scientific or educational contexts to describe an object or person falling freely under the influence of gravity.
|
plummeting object |
This term is often used to describe something falling rapidly and uncontrollably, typically with a sense of danger or urgency, and may have a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The freefaller experienced weightlessness as he fell towards the ground.
- The skydiver was in freefall for several seconds before deploying his parachute.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- Skydiving is a popular sport among freefallers, often involving jumps from planes at altitudes over 10,000 feet.
- The freefall phase of a skydive can last up to 60 seconds, where divers can reach speeds of around 120 mph before the parachute opens.
Physics
- During freefall, gravity is the only force acting on the body, creating a sensation of weightlessness.
- The acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.81 m/sยฒ, meaning a freefaller accelerates downwards at this rate until terminal velocity is reached.
Psychology
- For many, the experience of freefall can evoke feelings of exhilaration and adrenaline, linked to risk-taking behavior.
- The thrill of freefalling is often described as a way to overcome fear and push personal boundaries.
Cultural References
- Freefalling has inspired numerous songs and movies, such as the song 'Free Fallin'' by Tom Petty, which explores themes of freedom and loss.
- The iconic video game 'Pilotwings' includes gameplay revolving around freefall, showing its impact on popular culture.
Origin of 'freefaller'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'free' from Old English meaning 'not restricted' and 'faller' which refers to someone or something that falls.
- The concept has been part of various sports and activities since the late 20th century, popularized through skydiving.
The term 'freefaller' originated in the late 20th century, stemming from the combination of 'freefall' and the agent noun suffix '-er'. It gained popularity in relation to the sport of skydiving and the physics concept of freefall. The word reflects the thrill and freedom associated with falling through the air without resistance.
See also: free, freebie, freed, freedom, freefall, freefalling, freeing, freelancer, freely, freeway.