rusher
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈʌʃə/
US
- /ˈrəʃər/
Description
- person in a hurry
- hasty person
- football ball carrier
- pass attacker
A "rusher" is usually someone who moves fast or tries to get things done too quickly. In everyday use, it can suggest a person who is always hurrying and may miss details because they want to push ahead. The term is also common in American football. There, it can mean a player who runs with the ball on a rushing play, and in some contexts it can also mean a defender who charges toward the quarterback. In both general and sports use, the idea is speed, pressure, and forward movement.
The word "rusher" describes someone who acts with haste and energy, often pushing themselves or others to move quickly. It can simply mean a person in a hurry, but it may also suggest a habit of doing things too fast and not giving enough attention to details. A rusher might be the person who wants every decision made right away or who finishes early but leaves small mistakes behind.
The term is especially important in American football. On offense, a rusher is a player who advances the ball by running rather than by passing. On defense, the word may also be used for a player whose job is to rush the quarterback. In both cases, the image is of someone driving forward with speed and force.
The word can appear in other settings too. In some North American college contexts, a "rusher" can mean a student taking part in fraternity or sorority recruitment, though this use depends strongly on the setting and is less common in general English learning than the everyday and football meanings.
Depending on tone, the word can sound neutral, playful, or slightly critical. It may praise energy and drive, or it may warn that speed is winning over care. In that sense, a rusher is someone defined by fast action, whether in daily life, on the football field, or in a more specific social setting.
Examples
- 1
Hasty person
She's a rusher, so she often sends emails before checking them.
- 2
Football stats
Their leading rusher was held under 50 yards for the first time all season.
Domain
leading rusher
the player with the most rushing yards on a team
- 3
Football defense
The team signed a pass rusher to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Domain
pass rusher
a defensive player who tries to tackle the quarterback
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- rushernoun