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

England defender Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football.

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The 19-year-old has been excellent so far in her breakout season, keeping fellow England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy out of the side in the process.

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The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender led The Rebels to the FA Cup first round and the play-off final during the final season of his first spell in charge between 2017-24.

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Speaking on BBC NI's coverage of the game in Germany, former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan felt the description "was a bit disrespectful" to his old side.

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He's still a teenager whose pace and ability to ghost past defenders is second nature to him.

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Related Words

• protector 
• sponsor 
• supporter