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

There was no place for the squad to hide as they were subjected to what defender Dan Burn described as a "very painful" analysis session in the days after the West Ham defeat.

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Davidson, who was the No. 1 high school recruit in the nation, took it to the rim and laid the ball in over an Aggie defender for the first bucket of her college career.

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Tottenham say they are supporting Destiny Udogie after confirming the Italy defender was allegedly threatened with a gun by a football agent.

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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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Related Words

• protector 
• sponsor 
• supporter