box out
In basketball, to block another player from getting the ball by putting your body between them and the basket.
Meanings
(Basketball) To use your body to position yourself between an opponent and the basket, preventing them from getting a rebound.
"The centre did a great job of boxing out the opposing power forward on every free throw."
To prevent someone from accessing an opportunity or market by taking up space or establishing dominance.
"The tech giant effectively boxed out smaller competitors by controlling the entire supply chain."
Primarily a basketball term. The figurative use (blocking someone from an opportunity) is less common. Coaches frequently use this term when teaching rebounding fundamentals.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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