Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sport that necessarily involves physical contact between opposing players: A contact sport is any athletic activity where participants must make deliberate physical contact with each other as a fundamental and required part of the game's rules and play. This contact is often forceful and is a primary method of play, such as tackling, blocking, or checking.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • American football and rugby are classic examples of a contact sport.
  • Safety equipment is essential in any high-impact contact sport.
  • Some parents are hesitant to let their children play a contact sport due to the risk of injury.

Advanced Usage

• "full-contact sport": A sport where the rules allow and expect forceful, full-body contact.
  • Mixed martial arts is considered a full-contact sport.
• "limited-contact sport": A sport where contact is incidental or against the rules, but still occurs frequently.
  • Basketball is often categorized as a limited-contact sport.

Variants and Related Words

• Collision sport (n): A term sometimes used interchangeably with "contact sport," but often implying even more forceful, high-impact contact.
  • Ice hockey is both a contact sport and a collision sport.
• Non-contact sport (n): A sport where physical contact between players is not permitted or is minimal.
  • Swimming and tennis are non-contact sports.

Synonyms

• Collision sport: A sport involving heavy physical impact.
• Physical sport: A sport emphasizing bodily strength and contact.

Related Phrases

• To engage in a contact sport: To participate in such a sport.
  • He has engaged in a contact sport since he was a child.
• The nature of a contact sport: Referring to the inherent physicality and risk involved.
  • Injuries are part of the nature of a contact sport.

Related Idioms

• "It's a contact sport": Used figuratively to describe any competitive activity that involves aggressive personal interaction or conflict.
  • Politics isn't just about debate; it's a contact sport.

Noun

1. a sport that necessarily involves body contact between opposing players