Falling is the phenomenon of a person or animal losing balance and limb support for the core, causing the head and torso to end up in a lower position, often on the ground. Mechanical fall is the medical term that describe falling from standing not caused by altered/loss of consciousness (syncope), and a trip is a mechanical fall due to unwanted interactions with other objects in the environment when walking, running or jumping, usually an unintended contact between the feet and things on the ground.