rabbit-punch
Definition
Noun: In boxing, a "rabbit-punch" is an illegal strike delivered to the back of the head or the base of the skull, specifically targeting the nape of the neck. It is prohibited due to the high risk of causing serious injury, such as spinal damage or concussion.
Usage Examples
- (An illegal blow to the back of the head.)
- (A penalty for an illegal move in boxing.)
Advanced Usage
- "to land a rabbit-punch": to successfully strike an opponent with this illegal blow.
- The fighter was warned after he landed a rabbit-punch in the third round. (He struck the back of the head illegally.)
- "rabbit-punch" as a verb: to strike someone with a rabbit-punch.
- He rabbit-punched his sparring partner, causing a brief pause in training. (He delivered an illegal blow to the nape.)
Variants and Related Words
- Rabbit-punching (n): the act of delivering such a blow.
- Rabbit-punching is strictly forbidden in all professional boxing rules. (The practice of striking the back of the head.)
Synonyms
- Blow to the back of the head: a direct synonym describing the location of the strike.
- Illegal strike: a general term for any prohibited move in boxing.
Related Idioms
- "below the belt": an idiom referring to unfair or illegal actions, often used metaphorically.
- His comments were below the belt, much like a rabbit-punch in a fight. (Unfair and harmful, akin to the illegal blow.)