noun

1. A long seat with or without a back, found for example in parks and schools.

   “They sat on a park bench and tossed bread crumbs to the ducks and pigeons.”

2. The people who decide on the verdict; the judiciary.

   “They are awaiting a decision on the motion from the bench.”

3. The place where the judges sit.

   “She sat on the bench for 30 years before she retired.”

verb

1. To remove a player from play.

   “They benched him for the rest of the game because they thought he was injured.”

2. To remove someone from a position of responsibility temporarily.

3. To push a person backward against a conspirator behind them who is on their hands and knees, causing them to fall over.

Synonyms: sideline