The sounds or impacts made by feet stepping on a surface; the sound of someone walking.
From 'foot' (the body part) plus 'fall' (from Old English 'feallan' meaning 'to fall'). Literally, the falling or striking of feet on the ground; became a poetic term for the sound of footsteps.
This word is a favorite of mystery writers and horror authors because 'footfalls' sounds more ominous and suspenseful than just saying 'footsteps'—it emphasizes the impact and sound rather than just the movement!
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