landslide
English meaning: Landslide
Definition
A natural disaster that involves the breakup and downhill flow of rock, mud, water and anything caught in the path.
Example
“Heavy rain caused a landslide that blocked the mountain road.”
Another example: “The incumbent won the election in a landslide.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun for the rapid downhill movement of rock and soil, and figuratively for an overwhelming victory ('won by a landslide', especially in elections). Common in geology, news and politics. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
A compound of 'land' (Old English 'land') and 'slide' (Old English 'slidan'); attested in the 19th century, partly replacing the older 'landslip'.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- landslide victory
- massive landslide
- triggered a landslide
- landslide of votes
- deadly landslide
- win by a landslide
Word Forms
landslide (n); landslides (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B