Definition

In baseball, a type of pitch that is thrown close to the batter's head or body to make them move away from the plate.

Example

The pitcher threw a brushback to intimidate the batter.

Conversation

Did you see that last game?

Yeah, it was intense! That brushback pitch almost hit the batter.

Right? I think it really rattled him for the next at-bat.

Definitely, you could see he was a bit shaken up after that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Brushback is formed from "brush" (from Middle English "brushe", meaning to sweep or clean) and "back" (from Old English "bæc", meaning the rear part). The word "brushback" refers to a pitch in baseball that is thrown close to a batter, often to intimidate or force them back from the plate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'brushing' someone back — the word 'brush' means to sweep or clean, and 'back' refers to the rear, so brushback means to sweep someone back.

Visually Confused Words