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

And there was an ominous warning for opposition defenders as Haaland said he was "definitely" getting better as a striker.

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The mural of the England defender was unveiled near Anfield after Liverpool became European champions in 2019, and was also vandalised earlier this year, with the word 'Rat' daubed on it.

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The defender said he had "mixed emotions" over his return and that he would not celebrate if he scored.

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To his champions, however, he was the firm-jawed, hulking, resolute defender of American interests.

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Already a dominant defender in her first season, Smith was inconsistent shooting from the perimeter as a freshman.

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Related Words

• protector 
• sponsor 
• supporter