Word Finder
What's the word for the urge to jump when standing somewhere high even though you don t want to?
The word you're looking for
This French phrase means a sudden urge to step, jump, or do something dangerous when you are near a height. It fits your description very well, although it is not a standard English word.
Other words that fit
Use this in psychology or explanatory writing when you want a neutral English term.
Use this for the general sudden urge, but it is less specific than the full idea.
Use this only if the feeling is more about dizziness or fear of heights, not the urge itself.
Use this when the urge feels unwanted and disturbing, especially in mental health contexts.
Why this word
The exact idea is often called "l'appel du vide," a borrowed French phrase used in English. It describes the strange urge to jump or step forward when you are standing at a height, even when you do not want to. In everyday English, people also say "the call of the void," but that is less natural. If you want a more formal or psychological term, "high-place phenomenon" is the closest English label.
In context
- I felt l'appel du vide on the balcony.
- The cliff gave me l'appel du vide.
- Many people get l'appel du vide at tall buildings.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a real English word for this feeling?
- Not exactly. English often uses the French phrase l'appel du vide.
- Is l'appel du vide common in everyday English?
- It is known, but not very common in casual speech. Many speakers understand it as a borrowed phrase.
- Does this mean I want to jump?
- No. It usually means an unwanted, surprising urge, not a real wish to do it.
- What is the most formal English term?
- High-place phenomenon is the closest formal term.