minefield \minefield\ n. 1. (Mil.) a region in which explosive mines[4] have been placed, especially a region on land. [WordNet 1.5] 2. Hence: (Fig.) A situation in which a simple mistake can have disastrous consequences; a touchy or dangerous situation requiring great caution; as, the candidate threaded his way skillfully through a minefield of loaded questions from the audience. [PJC]