pick-off

[ pik-awf, -of ]

noun

1. Baseball. a play in which a base runner, caught off base, is tagged out by an infielder on a quick throw, usually from the pitcher or catcher.
2. Electronics. a mechanism that senses mechanical motion and produces a corresponding electric signal.

pick off

verb

1. tr, adverb to aim at and shoot one by one

Word History and Origins

Origin of pick-off¹

First recorded in 1935–40; noun use of verb phrase pick off

Idioms and Phrases

Shoot after singling out, as in The hunter picked off the ducks one by one . [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

He dove into scouting reports with first base coach Clayton McCullough on opposing pitchers’ timing and pick-off tendencies, coupling a cerebral component with his explosive raw foot speed.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of Ohtani’s bruise — which he sustained by getting hit with a pick-off throw last week — the Dodgers didn’t want him to have to get loose twice in one day.

From Los Angeles Times

Other times it’s on a failed pick-off attempt from the opposing pitcher throwing to first base.

From Seattle Times

“We just have to be better,” Roberts said, noting more pitch-outs and pick-off attempts might be necessary, too.

From Los Angeles Times

The bases are slightly bigger this year, but that’s a change you won’t notice, and MLB has also limited pick-off attempts with runners on base, which will marginally speed up play as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blast
• execute
• explode
• fire
• hit
• hurl
• kill
• launch
• murder
• open fire