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Glite Dictionary
to box out

to box out

1 6.7
Stop someone from getting a better position, often by using your body in sport
  • phrasal verb
  • /bɑks aʊt/
  • Informal
translation icon : bloquear
  • To win the rebounding battle, players must effectively box out their opponents during free throws.
  • box out for rebounds

Examples

  • Without a firm commitment from the wings to rebound the ball and from his front court partner to box out, Splitter will probably need to rethink his strategy and stay in the paint, even if it means conceding easy jumpers.

    Blog text (16)

  • He was a keenly aware defender who, with his help, boxed out and read bounces off the rim beautifully, and was patient offensively, letting the game come to him.

    Blog text (30)

  • Once you get in, box out.

    My Life (1993)

  • Now, Ginger, you stepped in and you had great position, but you gotta box out strong.

    The Hot Flashes (2013)

  • Physical uses his frame to box out opponents and works to defend the pass.

    Blog text (7)

  • Anthony needs to make sure he boxes out West and limits the Pacers' second chance opportunities.

    Blog text (4)

  • Oregon's guards are going to have to play solid defense, but also box out and keep those guys off the boards.

    Blog text (26)

  • He boxes out for us, gets the tough rebounds.

    Fletch (1985)

  • Dallas has to be aware of Hibbert as they box out defenders when going for defensive rebounds.

    Blog text (15)

  • Teammates of Sullinger (the vets) have said that he is a very smart ball player with a high IQ, and it has shown on the court as he is always in position to box out and grab the rebound.

    Blog text (16)

Synonyms

to cut out
vsto box out
  • Jargon
44 4.6

To move suddenly in front of someone to block their way

uses body to hold position and deny others an advantageous spot
to box in
vsto box out
8 4.7

To stop a person or thing from moving, acting freely and making choices

stops others gaining a better position without fully enclosing them

Antonyms

to allow
∞ 1.0

To let something happen or let someone do something

to facilitate
  • Formal
187 4.9

To make a task or process easier and help it happen

How Effective

to shut out
99 3.8
to box out
  • Informal
1 6.7
to block
∞ 3.0
to hold off
78 3.8
to nudge
33 3.8

Surface Forms

box out infinitive
boxed out past
boxed out past participle
boxing out present participle
boxes out third person singular

Morphology

box + out

The element 'out' conveys exclusion or keeping someone away, which a B1 learner could infer, but 'box' given as 'to fight with the fists' does not transparently denote using the body to block an opponent; the specific sports sense (blocking for a rebound) is specialized. Because part of the meaning (keeping someone out) is inferable but the precise blocking/rebound sense is not fully predictable without exposure, this is best classified as semi-transparent.

Etymology

Box out comes from sports like basketball, where a player makes a small box with their body to keep an opponent out from the ball. By standing there and blocking the opponent, they 'prevent' them from getting a better position, so box out now means 'to stop someone from gaining an advantage'.