This is the 2697th most frequent Japanese word.
牽制
"牽制" (kensē) means "restraint," "check," or "keeping in check."
牽制 in this context is used to describe the action of a pitcher trying to prevent the runner from advancing further on the base path.
彼はピッチャーとして走者を牽制しました。
He as a pitcher tried to hold the runner back.
牽制 is used here to suggest the action of holding or restraining someone's behavior or approach via strategic communication.
彼の言葉には相手を牽制する意図がありました。
His words carried the intention of restraining the opponent.
In this example, 牽制 refers to implementing measures aimed at directly influencing or checking the competitive dynamics or strategies of another party.