defender
Americannoun
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a person who defends someone or something from attack, assault, or injury.
We commemorate the brave defenders of this fort.
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Law. an attorney for a defendant, especially a public defender.
the systemwide benefits of effective defenders.
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a person who supports an argument, theory, thesis, etc., in the face of criticism or challenging questions.
defenders of gay rights.
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Sports.
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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.
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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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Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of defender
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; defend ( def. ) + -er 2 ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing defender
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cepeda, by contrast, is a 63-year-old philosopher-turned-senator and human rights defender who has been a key figure behind the peace talks.
From Barron's • Jun. 21, 2026
On the first play, Williams caught a long touchdown pass, sprinting well past the defender who had no idea how fast he runs.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026
When healthy, scouts said, he can be the lob threat and defender that Doncic yearns to have.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026
Tuchel's side looked vulnerable in defence after he selected Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa ahead of Manchester City's Marc Guehi to partner John Stones.
From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026
At the checkpoint, Richard spoke Igbo to the civil defender.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
