feinten

Feinten is the plural form of the German noun Feinte, which denotes a feint—a deceptive movement or action intended to mislead an opponent in a sport or combat. In German-language fencing and martial arts discourse, Feinte refers to a faked maneuver designed to provoke a reaction, opening a line of attack or creating space for a real subsequent action. The term is also used in other sports that rely on misdirection, though English terms like feint or fake are common in wider usage.

Etymology and scope: Feinte derives from the French word feinte, meaning deception or feint, and has been adopted into German sporting jargon. While Feinte is the standard singular in specialized contexts, many discussions about multiple deceptive actions use Feinten as the natural plural form in German.

Contexts and types: In fencing, feints are used to test an opponent’s timing and defenses; a feint may be followed by a genuine attack along a different line or distance. Variants include body feints, which fake with the torso or head, and blade feints, which imitate a blade action but do not commit to it. In ball sports and combat sports more broadly, feints can involve footwork, body positioning, or ball handling to mislead defenders or opponents.

Notes: Feinten as a term is primarily found in German-language sources and discussions related to fencing and martial arts. In non-German contexts, the English word feint is more common, with similar meanings and applications.