Hurtbox

The collision shape defining where a character can receive damage, distinct from the hitbox (where they deal damage). The two shapes rarely match the character's visible sprite.

In games, this means

In Street Fighter, a crouching character's hurtbox shrinks, making them harder to hit with certain moves. Their head hitbox (where their attacks land) is separate from their body hurtbox (where they take damage). Understanding this distinction is fundamental to combat feel, competitive fairness, and why 'that shouldn't have hit me' moments occur.