English Lexicon

Bodycheck

/ˈbɒd.i.tʃek/
nounverbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    In contact sports such as ice hockey, a legal block or collision in which a player uses their body to slam an opponent against the boards or knock them off balance.

    "A powerful bodycheck along the boards stopped the attacking forward in his tracks."
  2. 2

    A thorough physical examination or inspection of a person's body, often for security, medical, or regulatory purposes.

    "Security personnel performed a quick bodycheck before allowing entry into the restricted venue."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Formed in English as a compound of 'body' (from Old English 'bodi') and 'check' (derived via Old French from Persian 'shāh' in chess). Originally developed in contact sports like ice hockey and lacrosse during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe checking an opponent with one's body, later expanding metaphorically to physical examinations or security screenings.

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