backswing
|back-swing|
/ˈbæk.swɪŋ/
backward preparatory swing
Etymology
'backswing' originates from Modern English, specifically a compound of 'back' and 'swing', where 'back' meant 'rear' and 'swing' meant 'to move back and forth'.
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'back, rear'; 'swing' comes from Old English 'swingan' meaning 'to move, to swing'. The compound 'backswing' developed in Modern English, particularly in sports contexts in the late 19th to early 20th century, to describe the backward part of a swing.
Initially it described a simple backward swinging motion; over time it became a technical term in sports (especially golf and baseball) for the preparatory backward phase before the forward swing.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the backward movement of a club, bat, racket, or arm before swinging forward to hit a ball; specifically in golf and baseball the motion that precedes the downswing.
He paused at the top of his backswing before driving the ball.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a preparatory backward motion used to build momentum for a subsequent forward action; figuratively, an initial retreat or preparatory move.
The company's price cuts were a backswing before a major relaunch.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 23:18