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

He was caught in possession early on by Beto but was rescued by defender Jorrel Hato, before allowing a shot from the striker to slip through his fingers in the second half.

From BBC

Manchester United's Luke Shaw may also have a similar sinking feeling, while Manchester City defender John Stones is a more complicated case.

From BBC

Midfielder Jude Bellingham is included despite not playing for Real Madrid since early February because of a hamstring injury, while defender John Stones has made just two Manchester City appearances since early December.

From BBC

"Olivier Giroud was stood right in front of him, he put it over the defender's head and the rest is history. Captain's performance."

From BBC

Former Forest defender Luke Chambers summed it up when he said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Everything that could have gone wrong this season has gone wrong."

From BBC

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter