fastball

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Word: Fastball

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A fastball is a type of pitch in baseball that is thrown very quickly. It is one of the most common pitches used by pitchers to challenge batters.

Usage Instructions:

• A fastball is usually thrown straight and fast, making it difficult for the batter to hit.
• It is important for pitchers to have a strong arm to throw a good fastball.

Example Sentence:

• "The pitcher threw a fastball, and the batter swung but missed."

Advanced Usage:

• In baseball, there are different types of fastballs, such as the four-seam fastball and two-seam fastball, which vary slightly in speed and movement.

Word Variants:

• Fastballer: A noun that refers to a pitcher who specializes in throwing fastballs.
• Fastballing: The act of throwing fastballs.

Different Meanings:

• While "fastball" primarily refers to baseball, in a more informal context, it can sometimes refer to anything done very quickly or with high energy.

Synonyms:

• Fast pitch: Another way to describe a fastball.
• Blazer: A slang term used to refer to a very fast pitch.
• Heat: Informal term used in baseball to describe a fastball.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Bring the heat": This idiom means to throw a fastball or to do something with a lot of intensity or energy.
• "Hit a fastball": This phrase can be used figuratively to mean dealing with something challenging or difficult.

Academic

Noun

1. (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity
   • he swung late on the fastball
   • he showed batters nothing but smoke

Synonyms

• heater
• smoke
• hummer
• bullet