landslide
UK[ˈlændslaɪd]US[ˈlændslaɪd]
n
The sudden, rapid fall of a large mass of earth and rock down a slope.
n
An overwhelming victory in an election.
Morpheme Breakdown
land
slide
land
ground
slide
to slip
Etymology
The word 'landslide' is a transparent compound formed from two native English elements. 'Land' has Proto-Germanic origins, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "heath" or "open land." 'Slide' also descends from a Proto-Germanic verb related to slippery motion. The term was first used in the early 19th century to describe the literal geological event where a section of land slides downward. By the late 19th century, this vivid imagery of an overwhelming, unstoppable movement was applied metaphorically to politics, signifying a decisive and sweeping electoral victory.
Analysis
Structure: land (ground) + slide (to slip)
- land: From Old English 'land', meaning "ground, soil, territory." It functions as the base noun specifying the material involved.
- slide: From Old English 'slīdan', meaning "to slip, glide, fall." It functions as the verb component describing the action.
Examples
The heavy rains triggered a devastating landslide that blocked the mountain road.
The party won a landslide victory, securing over 70% of the parliamentary seats.
Geologists are studying the area to assess the risk of future landslides.