bodycheck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

As a sports term, it is increasingly common as one word, especially for the verb. The two-word form 'body check' is also correct, particularly for the noun. For the medical/inspection meaning, 'body check' (two words) or 'check-up' is more typical.

No, not in the formal sense. The legal use of the body to shield the ball or shoulder-to-shoulder challenge is distinct from a 'bodycheck', which implies a deliberate attempt to impede or knock down an opponent. Such an action in soccer would be a foul.

A tackle typically aims to take possession of the ball or puck by using the hands or feet. A bodycheck primarily aims to disrupt the opponent using the torso and shoulders, often without directly playing the ball. In rugby, a tackle involves wrapping the arms, while a bodycheck might not.

In sports, it is a technical term for a legal, strategic play. However, it inherently describes a forceful physical collision. Outside of sport, using it to describe an action (e.g., 'He bodychecked me in the hallway') would imply aggression and is not standard.

To forcefully use one's body to block or impede an opponent, primarily in sports like ice hockey, rugby, or martial arts.

Bodycheck is usually informal, sporting/technical in register.

Bodycheck: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdiˌtʃɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdiˌtʃɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.