World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesDefensive player
/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv ˈpleɪ.ər/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A member of a sports team whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring or advancing.
"The defensive player made a crucial tackle near the goal line to save the match." - 2
In specific team sports like American football or soccer, a designated specialist whose position is aligned on the defensive side of the ball.
"Several key defensive players were selected for the all-star roster this season."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term combines 'defensive', derived from Latin 'defensivus' (from 'defendere', meaning 'to ward off' or 'protect'), with 'player', originating from Old English 'plegian', meaning 'to exercise or play'. Together, the compound noun emerged in late 19th-century sports lexicon to designate team members primarily tasked with preventing the opposing side from scoring.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Defensive player"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Defensive player" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
joueur défensif
Transliteration: zhwœʁ de.fɑ̃.sif
"Le joueur défensif a bloqué le tir de l'adversaire."
Abwehrspieler
Transliteration: ˈapˌveːɐ̯ˌʃpiːlɐ
"Der Abwehrspieler klärte den Ball in letzter Sekunde."
giocatore difensivo
Transliteration: dʒo.kaˈto.re di.fenˈzi.vo
"Il giocatore difensivo ha intercettato un passaggio fondamentale."
jugador defensivo
Transliteration: xuɣaˈðor ðefenˈsivo
"El jugador defensivo despejó el balón fuera del área."
jogador defensivo
Transliteration: ʒu.ɡaˈdoɾ de.fẽˈsi.vu
"O jogador defensivo marcou o atacante de perto."
बचाव पक्ष का खिलाड़ी
Transliteration: bachāv pakṣ kā khilāṛī
"बचाव पक्ष के खिलाड़ी ने शानदार टैकल किया।"
防守队员
Transliteration: fángshǒu duìyuán
"这名防守队员成功化解了一次危机。"
수비수
Transliteration: subisu
"수비수가 상대 팀의 공격을 완벽하게 차단했다."
守備選手
Transliteration: shubi senshu
"その守備選手は試合を通じて素晴らしいプレーを見せた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsAn area of land zoned and developed specifically for the location of industrial companies and factories.
Tending to swing, spring, or move with a resilient, elastic motion like a sling.
A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.
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