noun, verb — 5 senses
UK /ˈpɪtfɔːl/ · US /ˈpɪtfɔl/
Etymology First recorded use in the 14th century from pit + fall in the sense of "pit trap, pit snare", from Old English fealle (“trap, snare”), from Proto-Germanic *fallą, *fallaz (“a fall, trap”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)pōl-. Cognate with German Falle (“trap, snare”).
A type of trap consisting of a concealed pit in the ground, into which the victim is supposed to fall and not be able to get out from.
Figuratively A potential, unsuspected, hidden problem, hazard, or danger that is easily encountered but not immediately obvious.
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences An antipattern.
Business, Mining Subsidence below ground in a mine, which can cause the ground level above to drop.
Etymology First recorded use in the 14th century from pit + fall in the sense of "pit trap, pit snare", from Old English fealle (“trap, snare”), from Proto-Germanic *fallą, *fallaz (“a fall, trap”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)pōl-. Cognate with German Falle (“trap, snare”).
Figuratively, Uncommon To trap, snare, or ensnare someone or something.
Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.