Tanking - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

gaming term

Tanking refers to a strategy in video games where a player character takes damage on behalf of other players, typically in a team setting. This role is crucial in games that involve combat, as it allows damage-dealing characters to focus on attacking rather than worrying about their own health. The tank character usually has abilities that allow them to absorb or mitigate damage, making them an essential part of the team's success. Players who take on this role are often praised for their ability to control enemy aggression and protect their allies effectively.

Synonyms

absorbing, defending, shielding.

Examples of usage

In our raid, John is tanking while we deal damage to the boss.
She specializes in tanking, keeping her teammates safe from harm.
Effective tanking can turn the tide of a battle in our favor.
Good tanking requires awareness of enemy movements.
He's known for his exceptional tanking skills in group dungeons.

Interesting Facts

Sports

Some sports teams adopt a 'tanking' strategy, deliberately losing games to rebuild with higher draft picks in future seasons.
Tanking has been controversial in sports, leading to debates about fairness and the spirit of competition.
Fans often have strong feelings about their teams tanking, as it can affect loyalty and support for the franchise.

Economics

In economics, a company can be said to be tanking if it reports significant losses or experiences a drastic drop in stock prices.
The 2008 financial crisis saw major corporations 'tank' due to poor investments and market misjudgments.
Investors often look for signs of tanking in companies to avoid losing money.

Pop Culture

'Tanking' appears in various movies and shows, often highlighting the struggle of a character or team facing failure before a comeback.
Video games sometimes include mechanics where players can 'tank' by sacrificing performance for strategic advantages.
Social media has popularized the term, often used to describe a downward trend in someone’s popularity or success.

Psychology

The concept of 'tanking' can be linked to self-sabotage, where individuals intentionally undermine their success.
Psychological factors influencing tanking behaviors include fear of failure and anxiety about success.
Studies suggest that sometimes people might ‘tank’ as a protective mechanism to avoid higher expectations in future situations.

Origin of 'tanking'

Main points about word origin

The term 'tanking' originally comes from the word 'tank,' which means to lower or let down.
The use of 'tanking' in sports can be traced back to the 1990s, referring to teams intentionally losing games to get better draft picks.
In business, 'tanking' reflects a quick drop in stock or market value, which has origins in economic discussions from the late 20th century.

The term 'tanking' originated in the gaming community and is derived from the word 'tank', which initially referred to a heavily armored or defensive vehicle in military terms. As video games began to evolve, especially MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), players needed a way to describe the role of characters that absorb damage for their teammates. The concept mirrors traditional roles in team-based strategies, where one player takes on the brunt of the enemies' attacks to protect others. Over time, the term became widely accepted and used across various gaming genres, reflecting the role-playing dynamics and the importance of teamwork in achieving goals in cooperative gaming environments.

Tanking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations