Definition

Noun: A chest protector is a piece of protective equipment designed to shield the torso, particularly the chest and sometimes the abdomen, from impact or injury. It is a specific type of padded garment.

Usage

A chest protector is worn by participants in certain sports or activities where there is a risk of being struck in the torso by a fast-moving object (like a ball) or during collisions. Its primary function is safety.

Examples

• The baseball catcher always wears a chest protector behind home plate.
• Before the football game, the quarterback fastened his chest protector under his jersey.
• Fencers wear a rigid plastic chest protector for safety.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in the context of official sports regulations, specifying required safety gear.
• In historical contexts, it can refer to types of armor or padding worn for protection in various trades or combat sports.

Variants and Related Words

• Body armor / Armour: A broader term for protective covering for the torso, often associated with military or law enforcement use.
• Padding / Pads: General terms for protective cushioning, which can be part of a chest protector.
• Flak jacket: A specific type of military chest protector designed to protect against shell fragments.

Synonyms

• Body pad
• Torso protector
• Protective pad

Related Phrases / Compounds

• Chest protector strap: Refers to the fastening system of the equipment.
• Chest and arm protector: Describes a larger protective garment that also covers the arms.

Notes

The provided reference context specifies its use in baseball (by catchers) and football. It is important to note that a chest protector is also standard safety equipment in other sports like cricket (for wicket-keepers), hockey (for goalies), and martial arts (e.g., in kendo or fencing).

Noun

1. protective garment consisting of a pad worn in baseball by catchers and by football players