Definition

Verb: - To ward off or block an opponent, particularly a tackler in American football, by holding one's arm fully extended with the palm of the hand pressed against the opponent's body to create distance and prevent contact.

Usage

This term is used almost exclusively in the context of American football. It describes a specific, legal blocking technique used by a ball carrier to fend off a defender. - As a verb, it is typically used in the infinitive form ("to straight-arm") or in past tense ("straight-armed").

Examples

• The running back straight-armed the safety and continued down the field for a touchdown.
• He managed to avoid the tackle by using a powerful straight-arm.
• Coaches teach players how to properly straight-arm to gain extra yards.

Advanced Usage

• The term can function as a noun, derived from the verb, to name the act itself. For example: "His effective straight-arm kept the defender at bay."
• It is sometimes hyphenated ("straight-arm") but can also be written as a single word ("straightarm") or two words ("straight arm"), though the hyphenated form is most common.

Variants and Related Words

• Stiff-arm: This is a direct and more common synonym for "straight-arm." The terms are interchangeable in American football.
• Fend off: A more general phrase meaning to defend against or keep someone away, which can describe a similar action outside of sports.

Synonyms

• Stiff-arm
• Fend off
• Ward off

Related Phrases

• Give someone the stiff-arm/straight-arm: An idiomatic way to describe performing this action on someone.
  • Example: The veteran runner gave the rookie defender the straight-arm.

Noun

1. (American football) the act of warding off a tackler by holding the arm fully extended with the hand against the opponent