defensive end

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableAmericansport

   In American football, a defensive lineman who lines up at the end of the defensive line and rushes the passer.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a defensive end' for one player and 'defensive ends' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • play defensive end
   • a defensive end rushes the passer

   The defensive end beat the tackle and sacked the quarterback.

   He was drafted as a defensive end but also plays inside on passing downs.

   Their defensive end is strong against the run and the pass.

2. 2noununcountableAmericansport

   The position played by such a lineman.

   Grammar: No article when it names the position: 'He plays defensive end.'

   Patterns

   • play defensive end
   • line up at defensive end

   She played defensive end for her high school team.

   Playing defensive end means fighting off blockers on every snap.

Word forms

Common combinations

rush the passer

The defensive end's main job is to rush the passer.

a starting defensive end

He became a starting defensive end in his second year.

sack the quarterback

The defensive end sacked the quarterback twice.

stop the run

A good defensive end can also stop the run.

Synonyms and how they differ

edge rusher

'Edge rusher' is a modern term for a pass-rushing defensive end or outside linebacker.

defensive tackle

A defensive tackle plays inside next to the defensive end and is usually bigger and slower.

Word family

defense noun

The unit that tries to prevent the other team from scoring.

defensive adjective

Intended to stop or protect against attack.

Commonly confused: defensive end or tight end?

Practice

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