sympathizer

American  

[sim-puh-thahy-zer] / ˈsɪm pəˌθaɪ zər /

noun

1. a person who sympathizes.

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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• nonsympathizer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of sympathizer

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

Explanation

Someone who's on your side, who supports you wholeheartedly, is your sympathizer. A sympathizer wishes you the very best, especially when you're going through a hard time or working to achieve a goal. Your best friend might be your number one sympathizer, agreeing with your opinions and backing you up when you need support. Key to the noun sympathizer is the verb sympathize, "agree with a sentiment" or "have fellow feeling." Both words come from the Greek sympathes, "affected by like feelings," a combination of syn, "together," and pathos, "feeling."

Example Sentences

Park has also worked extensively in television, notably the English-language mini-series "The Little Drummer Girl", adapted from John Le Carre's novel, and last year's HBO series "The Sympathizer" about a North Vietnamese spy.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

All episodes of "The Sympathizer" are available to stream on Max.

From Salon • May 27, 2024

Regardless of the evil the Captain's paranoia and self-doubt drives him to do, you may still ache for him in the end, proving "The Sympathizer" successfully wins us over to its cause.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2024

While the Captain has a bit of a feminist awakening in The Committed, he is mostly a cynic, and he has been ever since The Sympathizer.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2021

"Sympathizer" controls hooked up with a visiscreen and a computer have also been installed in the nose.

From The Lost Kafoozalum by Ashwell, Pauline

Related Words

• ally
• backer
• collaborator
• supporter