white knight

American  

noun

1. a hero who comes to the rescue.

2. a beleaguered champion who fights heroically for a cause, as in politics.

3. Informal. a company that comes to the rescue of another, as to prevent a takeover.

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white knight British  

noun

1. a champion or rescuer, esp a person or organization that rescues a company from financial difficulties, an unwelcome takeover bid, etc

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Usage

What else does white knight mean? In internet slang, a white knight is a man who comes to the unsolicited defense of a woman online, in the hopes of romantic or sexual favor. A white knight can also more generally refer to someone who rushes to the defense of another online, usually a person whose actions aren’t seen as worthy of defense. How is white knight  pronounced?[ wahyt nahyt ]What are some other forms of white knight?white-knightingWhat are some other words related to white knight?

• nice guy
• mansplain

Etymology

Origin of white knight

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

white knight

Given its size advantage, Chubb probably can buy AIG if it wants, though if deal talks did develop, it is possible that AIG could look to a white knight in Berkshire Hathaway.

From Barron's ● Dec. 13, 2025

Meanwhile, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has been cast as the sport’s white knight, pushing for expansion because it was in the best interest of all parties.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 3, 2023

Bankman-Fried emerges as the cryptocurrency sector's so-called "white knight" amid a collapse in the prices of Bitcoin and other digital assets.

From Reuters ● Oct. 3, 2023

The internet is mistakenly blaming a Monroe impersonator, and Brentwood is hoping for a white knight.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2023

The white knight had made a move, changed his mind, and started over.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• savior