Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪnfiːld] (IPA) 
The word "minefield" is spelled with two syllables: mIne + field. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound, as in the word "mine," and the second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in the word "sit." The IPA phonetic transcription for "minefield" is /ˈmaɪn.fiːld/. The word refers to an area where explosive mines are buried, often used as a military tactic to deter enemies.
A minefield is a specific area on land or water that is intentionally filled with explosive devices known as mines. These mines are strategically placed to create a dangerous and treacherous environment, often with malicious intent. Minefields are commonly used as defensive mechanisms during wars or conflicts, designed to impede or cause harm to enemy forces.
The purpose of a minefield is to deter or inhibit the movement of individuals or vehicles, as any contact with the mines can result in severe injuries or even death. Mines can be triggered by various mechanisms such as pressure, movement, or magnetic fields, making them highly unpredictable and hazardous. Consequently, entering a minefield is fraught with risks and requires careful navigation and expertise.
Minefields are typically marked with warning signs or markers to provide some level of indication as to their existence, although they may also be deliberately unmarked to increase their covert nature. Engaging in mine clearance operations is an extensive and specialized task carried out by skilled professionals who are trained in detecting, disarming, and removing the mines safely.
Metaphorically, the term "minefield" is also used to describe a situation or area filled with potential pitfalls, hazards, or dilemmas. It suggests a complex or precarious environment where one may encounter various difficulties or conflicts, requiring careful navigation and decision-making skills to avoid negative consequences.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "minefield" is a compound word composed of the noun "mine" and the noun "field".
The noun "mine" comes from the Middle English "mine" or "myne", which originates from the Old French "mine" or "mener". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "minare", meaning "to jut, project, or threaten". In the context of warfare, "mine" refers to an explosive device that is hidden underground, typically designed to be triggered by the presence, proximity, or contact of people or vehicles.
The noun "field" comes from the Old English "feld", which has Germanic roots. It refers to an area of open land, often used for cultivation or pasture.
Therefore, the word "minefield" combines the notion of the hidden explosives ("mine") with the concept of a designated area of land ("field").
