Thanatosis is a term used to describe the ability of certain animals to simulate death as a method of defense. However, there are various synonyms that can be used to describe this phenomenon. One of the most common synonyms is tonic immobility, which refers to the temporary state of immobility that some animals exhibit in response to a threat. Another synonym is animal hypnosis, which refers to the state of extreme stillness and lowered metabolic activity that animals may enter when in danger. Other terms that can be used to describe thanatosis include death feigning, playing possum, and feigned death. All of these words refer to the same phenomenon, which allows animals to evade predators and survive in the wild.