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Glite Dictionary
penalty free throw

penalty free throw

2.7
A shot taken from the foul line after a foul by the other team
  • noun
translation icon : tiro libre
  • The referee awarded a penalty free throw after the foul.

Examples

  • Missing a penalty free throw can be costly in a close basketball game.

  • He calmly made both of his penalty free throws in the final seconds.

  • After the defender's foul, she was awarded a penalty free throw.

  • He made a penalty free throw to tie the game.

  • After the defender's foul, she was awarded a penalty free throw from the foul line.

  • He calmly made both of his penalty free throws to help secure the team's victory.

  • Missing a penalty free throw in the final moments of the game can change the outcome.

Synonyms

free throw
vspenalty free throw
50 2.8

A shot taken from the free-throw line without being blocked after a foul

is the same idea but stresses the penalty origin of the shot
foul shot
vspenalty free throw
  • Specialized
3 2.6

A free throw in basketball taken from the line when an opponent breaks the rules

is the general name for the unhindered foul line attempt
charity throw
vspenalty free throw
  • US
2.3

A shot from the foul line taken after a foul that scores one point

is the same shot but highlights the foul as the cause
charity toss
vspenalty free throw
  • US
2.7

A shot from the foul line that a player takes after a foul without anyone trying to stop it

is the same concept but uses a different naming convention
charity shot
vspenalty free throw
  • US
3.4

A shot you take from the free throw line after a foul

adds that the attempt is unhindered and given because of a foul

Surface Forms

penalty free throw singular
penalty free throws plural

Morphology

penalty + free + throw

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'penalty' (a sanction from a foul) plus 'free throw' (a throw taken without opposition) yields an unhindered shot awarded because of a penalty. This follows common sports naming patterns (e.g. Spanish 'tiro libre') so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words and basic sports context will likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

Penalty free throw comes from basketball. After a player is fouled, they stand at the foul line and take a free throw with no one blocking, a penalty given to the other team, so the phrase means a shot awarded after a 'foul'.