defender

American  

[dih-fen-der] / dɪˈfɛn dər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of defender

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

Example Sentences

The Avalanche questioned the call, claiming Kings defender Drew Doughty had pushed Drury from behind, but they lost the challenge.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

"Teams were starting to get scared of Arsenal's set-pieces," former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

"He has been absolutely magnificent," former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown told Final Score.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Within weeks, the former defender with a salt-and-pepper beard had pulled off a draw against Atlético Madrid and somehow beaten Barcelona.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

A defender appeared on the wall above them.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter