How Do You Spell BODYCHECK?

1. Bodycheck is a term primarily used in ice hockey and certain other contact sports to describe a defensive maneuver involving physical contact with an opposing player. It refers to an intentional, forceful use of the body to impede, obstruct, or knock down an opponent who is in possession of the puck or involved in the play. The purpose of a bodycheck is often to disrupt the opponent's progress, separate them from the puck, or intimidate them.

   In a bodycheck, the defensive player uses their body, usually their shoulder or hips, to make contact with the opposing player, targeting their chest or lower body. Ideally, the defender aims to make contact at an angle, maximizing the impact and effectively disrupting the opponent's movement. However, it is crucial for a bodycheck to be executed within the rules of the sport, as excessive force or hitting the opponent in vulnerable areas can lead to penalties or even injuries.

   The term "bodycheck" can also be used in a broader context to describe a similar action in other sports or non-sporting situations, such as rugby or certain combat sports. It denotes a maneuver in which one individual uses their body to forcefully collide with or block another person, thereby trying to gain an advantage or prevent their progress. In such cases, the intent and impact of the bodycheck may vary depending on the specific sport or context in which it is used.

The word "bodycheck" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "body" and "check".

The term "body" originated from the Old English word "bodig", which referred to the physical structure of a living being. Over time, "bodig" evolved into "body" in Middle English and has been used to signify the entire physical aspect of a person or an animal.

The word "check" has multiple origins. In this context, it is derived from the Old French word "eschequier", which means "a chessboard". The game of chess involved moving pieces back and forth, trying to outmaneuver the opponent, much like the motion involved in a bodycheck.

The word "check" also has connections to the verb "chequer", which means to mark or pattern something with squares.

Conjugate verb Bodycheck