sympathizer

[sim-puh-thahy-zer]

noun

1. a person who sympathizes.

2. Ophthalmology.,  an eye that exhibits ophthalmia because of disease or injury of the other.

Other Word Forms

• nonsympathizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sympathizer¹

First recorded in 1805–15; sympathize + -er ¹

Related Words

• ally 
• backer 
• collaborator 
• supporter 

When To Use

What does sympathizer mean?

Sympathizer most commonly refers to someone who is supportive of or loyal to someone or something, such as a leader or cause.The verb sympathize most commonly means to feel sympathy with someone—to share their emotions, especially sadness. This is usually understood to mean that you feel bad for them because they are in a negative situation. The word sympathizer can be used to mean someone who sympathizes in this way. It can also refer to someone who offers their sympathies or condolences, such as to someone who is in mourning.But sympathizer is especially used to refer to someone who identifies with, supports, or is sympathetic toward a certain cause. This sense of the word is usually used in a negative way to criticize such support, and often implies that such support is secret or at least not fully open. This is the way the word is used in the phrase Communist sympathizer.Example: We condemn not only the people directly responsible for these attacks but also their sympathizers.