catcher

UK: ˈkætʃə | US: ˈkætʃər

Definition

  1. n. 1. A person or device that catches something (e.g., a baseball player who catches pitches).

  2. n. 2. A mechanical component designed to trap or hold objects.

Structure
catch <to seize or capture>er <agent noun suffix (one who does something)>
Etymology

The word "catcher" originates from the verb "catch," derived from Old Northern French cachier ("to chase, capture"), which evolved from Latin captiare ("to try to seize"). The suffix "-er" is an English agentive suffix, indicating a person or thing performing an action. Thus, "catcher" literally means "one who catches." In baseball, the term specifically refers to the player positioned behind home plate to receive pitches.

Examples

  1. The catcher signaled for a fastball.

  2. She worked as a pest control catcher, removing rodents from homes.

  3. The machine’s catcher mechanism prevents debris from falling.

  4. He aspired to be the best catcher in the league.

  5. The safety system includes an automatic catcher to halt falling objects.