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.

---

Etymology

Origin of defender

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; defend ( def. ) + -er ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Tide crowded the line, indicating a blitz, only to send defenders dropping back at the snap into every potential passing lane.

From The Wall Street Journal

But a defender, any mistake can cost you a lot, right, and can stay in your brain for a long time.

From BBC

Handed just his second league start of the season, defender Niklas Suele created Dortmund's opener, drifting in a cross for Brandt to volley home 10 minutes in.

From Barron's

Rams defender Jared Verse jumped the route and knocked down the pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Although AI systems are still prone to falsely identifying problems, that development has some concerned that, without new tools, network defenders might now be put at a disadvantage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter