Definition

A player in ice hockey or lacrosse whose main job is to stop the other team from scoring goals.

Example

The defenceman blocked the shot and helped his team win the game.

Conversation

Did you see that game last night?

Yeah, the defenceman played really well!

I was impressed by his blocking skills.

Totally! He really helped keep the score down.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defenceman → It is formed from "defence" (from Old French *defense*, meaning protection or defense) and "man" (from Old English *mann*, meaning human or person). A defenceman is a player in ice hockey whose role is to provide protection and defense against the opposing team.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'defence' as protection and 'man' as a person — a defenceman is a person who provides protection on the ice.

Visually Confused Words