Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
death-roll
noun
/ˈdɛθ roʊl/
Definition
A sudden, violent movement caused by panic or distress, often referring to a rotational movement in the context of snakes or similar creatures.
Examples
- The crocodile performed a death-roll to drown its prey.
- In moments of extreme stress, she felt a death-roll of emotions inside her.
- Witnesses described the scene as a chaotic death-roll of frightened animals.
Meaning
The term ‘death-roll’ typically describes a behavior observed in certain reptiles, such as crocodiles, where they spin their bodies in the water to subdue prey or escape danger. It can also metaphorically describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed with fear or anxiety.
Synonyms
- spinning struggle
- death roll (in reptiles)
- violent twist
