to fan
1
7.3
- verb
- /fæn/
- Jargon
- In the final inning, the pitcher managed to fan the last batter with a perfect strikeout.
Examples
-
The robbers fan out in various directions.
Fiction book (1992) -
The newsies fan out, blocking the way.
Fiction book (1992) -
The men fan out nonchalantly.
Fiction book (1990) -
Sabathia followed that lead-off by Hardy with a wicked 2-2 slider to fan the Orioles' most dangerous threat, Adam Jones.
Blog text (17) -
The star pitcher was able to fan three batters in a row, impressing the crowd with his skills.
-
With a swift curveball, he managed to fan the batter, bringing the game to a thrilling conclusion.
Synonyms
60
4.1
In baseball, cause a batter to be out after they miss three pitches
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
- Informal
8
3.7
A person who loves something like a band or team a lot and shows strong support
2
1.0
A machine with turning blades that uses electricity to move air and cool a room or people
1
9.9
A Chinese gambling game where players bet on how many counters remain under a bowl after grouping them by four
- Specialized
1
7.5
A fan-shaped area of sand and stones that forms where a fast stream slows and spreads at a mountain base
- Specialized
1
6.4
An engine with a large fan that pushes extra air to make the plane go faster
- Australian
1
8.9
A large plant that grows in Australia and New Zealand with fan-shaped leaves that split many times
- Specialized
1
9.1
A stone ceiling with ribs that spread out like a fan in Gothic churches
- Specialized
A small tropical plant with fan-shaped leaves, thin stems, and loose fibers at the leaf bases
Surface Forms
Etymology
Fan In baseball, to fan a batter means to make them 'strike out' by swinging and missing, and this sense uses the idea of a quick waving motion. A helpful way to remember is to picture the batter 'waving' the bat like a fan and missing the ball.