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

She broke into Sunderland's first team at the age of 16 and was close friends with Lucy Bronze, sharing lifts to training with her former team-mate and current England defender.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

The Brazil centre-half arrived at PSG from Roma in 2013, surviving Luis Enrique's cull of big names because the coach is wise enough to see a consummate professional and world-class defender when he sees one.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The defender enjoyed a solid Major League Soccer career spanning a decade between 2006 and 2016, appearing for New York Red Bulls, Toronto, Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Giuliani, a Republican, became a fierce defender of President Donald Trump, joining his personal legal team in Trump's first White House term.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Haymitch says she’s the best defender I have when Peeta goes off on some kind of tear about me.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter