A place where a railway crosses a road; a railroad/level crossing (usually with gates or signals).
踏切の前で電車が通り過ぎるのを待った。
I waited in front of the railroad crossing for the train to pass.
子供たちに踏切を渡るときは必ず左右を確認するよう教えた。
I taught the children always to check left and right when crossing a level crossing.
この踏切は古くて遮断機がないので注意が必要だ。
This level crossing is old and has no gates, so you need to be careful.
The take-off point or starting spot — notably the place you step off at the end of a run-up (as in jumping events).
走り幅跳びでは踏み切りの位置が記録に大きく影響する。
In the long jump, the take-off point greatly affects the result.
ジャンプの踏み切りを1歩間違えると距離が伸びない。
If you make one wrong step at take-off in the jump, you won't get good distance.
Determination; the mental decision to go ahead with something — making up one's mind to act.
転職するか迷っていたが、やっと踏み切りがついた。
I was unsure about changing jobs, but I finally made up my mind.
留学の踏み切りをつけるには準備と決意が必要だ。
To decide to study abroad you need both preparation and resolve.
In sumo, stepping over the edge of the ring (a move that can be ruled a foul or lead to disqualification in certain circumstances).
土俵際で踏み切りをして反則負けになった。
He stepped over the edge at the ring's edge and lost by foul.