Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
thanatosis
noun
/ˌθæn.əˈtoʊ.sɪs/
Definition
Thanatosis is a behavior exhibited by certain animals where they feign death or become very still to avoid predation.
Examples
- Some species of opossums are known for their ability to perform thanatosis when threatened by a predator.
- Thanatosis can be a crucial survival tactic for many insects, such as certain types of butterflies.
Meaning
The act of pretending to be dead as a defensive mechanism.
Synonyms
- Playing dead
- Feigning death
- Catalepsy
