high stick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1sports/technical
Quick answer
What does “high stick” mean?
A penalty in ice hockey where a player carries their stick above shoulder height, risking contact with an opponent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A penalty in ice hockey where a player carries their stick above shoulder height, risking contact with an opponent.
Can refer to the act of raising one's stick dangerously in ice hockey or similar sports, and by extension, any action of holding a stick-like object in a high, unsafe manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical in meaning but slightly more common in American English media due to NHL prominence. British usage may appear in coverage of UK or European ice hockey.
Connotations
Strongly associated with ice hockey rules and player safety. Carries connotations of danger, recklessness, and rule-breaking within the sport.
Frequency
High frequency in ice hockey commentary and rulebooks globally. Very low frequency in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “high stick” in a Sentence
[Player/Subject] high-sticks [Opponent/Object].[Player] was penalized for a high stick.The referee called a high stick on [Player].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high stick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was sent to the sin bin after he high-sticked the opponent in front of the net.
- Players are taught not to high-stick when attempting to bat down a puck.
American English
- The center high-sticked the defender and got a four-minute double minor.
- If you high-stick someone and cause injury, it's a major penalty.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for this term.
American English
- Not applicable for this term.
adjective
British English
- The high-stick call was controversial among home fans.
- He received a high-stick penalty in the final minute.
American English
- The high-stick infraction was reviewed by the officials in Toronto.
- A clear high-stick violation should always be penalized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in sports science papers on hockey injuries or rule analysis.
Everyday
Rare, only among hockey fans or players discussing a game.
Technical
Core term in ice hockey officiating and rulebooks (IIHF, NHL).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high stick”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high stick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high stick”
- Using 'high stick' as a general term for any long stick (incorrect). Spelling as one word 'highstick' (the penalty is two words; the verb is often hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun referring to the penalty, it is two words: 'high stick'. The verb form is often hyphenated: 'to high-stick'.
Yes, in most leagues, simply carrying your stick above the shoulders of an opponent, regardless of contact, can be penalized as it is considered dangerous play.
A minor (2 minutes) is typically for accidental or non-injurious contact. A major (5 minutes and often a game misconduct) is for intentional, forceful, or injurious contact, especially if it causes bleeding.
No, the term is specific to ice hockey and related sports like ringette. Similar dangerous play with the stick in field hockey has different terminology.
A penalty in ice hockey where a player carries their stick above shoulder height, risking contact with an opponent.
High stick is usually sports/technical in register.
High stick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ stɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ stɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep your stick on the ice (literal advice, but also a Canadian idiom meaning 'be ready').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stick held HIGH like a flagpole - that's illegal in hockey. High stick = penalty.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEIGHT IS DANGER (A stick above a certain height threshold metaphorically represents increased risk and illegality).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'high stick' a specific penalty?