noun
- pitches thrown close to a batter to force them away from home plate
Usage: baseball
Examples
- The pitcher threw two brushbacks to intimidate the slugger.
- Brushbacks are a controversial but legal part of baseball strategy.
- The umpire warned both teams after several brushbacks were thrown.
- He stepped back from the plate after the brushback nearly hit him.
- The veteran pitcher was known for his effective brushbacks.
- Brushbacks can lead to bench-clearing incidents if tensions are high.