drop kick

¹ American  

noun

Football.

1. a kick made by dropping a football to the ground and kicking it as it starts to bounce up.

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drop-kick ² American  

[drop-kik] / ˈdrɒpˈkɪk /

verb (used with object)

1. to score (a field goal or point after touchdown) by a drop kick.

2. to kick (the ball as dropped for a drop kick).

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verb (used without object)

1. to make a drop kick.

drop kick British  

noun

1. a kick in certain sports such as rugby, in which the ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces from the ground Compare punt 2 place kick

2. a wrestling attack, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler leaps in the air and kicks his opponent in the face or body with both feet

3. slang a stupid or worthless person

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verb

1. to kick (a ball, etc) using a drop kick

2. to kick (an opponent in wrestling) by the use of a drop kick

Other Word Forms

• drop-kicker noun

Etymology

Origin of drop kick¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Origin of drop-kick²

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Ford banged over a penalty to level it at 3-3 and then started to drop kick the Pumas to distraction.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2023

“You basically have to imagine that at any point, someone is going to drop kick the box over a fence,” Horst said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2022

The first came when Yim was holding a ladder to her face when Shirai launched a drop kick in her direction.

From Fox News • Nov. 15, 2019

Janikowski was also injured briefly during a game against Kansas City two weeks ago, compelling Dickson to attempt two drop kick kickoffs.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2019

The ball was far within the enemy territory again, but Wilton held, and on the fourth down Ned Stillson fell back and made a successful drop kick.

From The Mark of the Knife by Ernst, Clayton H.