defender

[ dih-fen-der ]

noun

1. a person who defends someone or something from attack, assault, or injury:

   We commemorate the brave defenders of this fort.

2. Law. an attorney for a defendant, especially a public defender:

   the systemwide benefits of effective defenders.

3. a person who supports an argument, theory, thesis, etc., in the face of criticism or challenging questions:

   defenders of gay rights.

4. Sports.
   1. a team player whose assigned role is to prevent the other team from scoring:

      On the court, he’s an exceptional defender and a natural leader.

   2. a contestant or team that attempts to retain a championship title, rank, etc., in a competition against a challenger:

      Her main rival is the young title defender from Italy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defender¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; defend ( def ) + -er ²( def )

Example Sentences

Earlier, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba defended the US's position, saying it is within international law, but adds there are "moral ramifications for human rights defenders, and I totally get them".

From BBC

One Southampton player in buoyant mood will be defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on his England debut against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

From BBC

The preseason game in 2021 when two Washington defenders sandwiched him on a tackle and bent his knee and tore two ligaments.

From Los Angeles Times

US defender Chastain vividly remembers the conditions - "the water dripping from the ceiling, the mildew - you can smell it".

From BBC

But the front line creeps ever closer, with Russia also threatening to encircle defenders from the north and west.

From BBC

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter