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DictionarystrafeSideways movement
verb / noun

strafe

Sideways movement in a video game while facing forward.

I strafe left while keeping my character pointed toward the doorway.

Etymology
strafeGermanto punish

Strafe first named attacking with gunfire. Video-game use specialized it to sideways movement that lets a player reposition while keeping aim directed forward.

More examples

  • She strafes right to avoid the incoming fire without turning.
  • A quick strafe brings my character behind cover.
  • Practice strafing in both directions while aiming at the target.

Forms

strafe · strafes · strafed · strafing

Similar words

sidestep
Suggests a sideways step, not necessarily movement while facing forward.