defender

American  

[dih-fen-der] / dɪˈfɛn dər /

noun

defenders plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• defenders
  plural

Etymology

Origin of defender

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

Example Sentences

“If you buy a Defender for $70,000, it will be the best $120,000 you ever spent,” he joked.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

Elliott, the web designer, said she’s spent an additional $31,000 on her Defender since buying it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

Defender Burn said that captain Kane, who scored twice in England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening World Cup match, is a "big country music fan".

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

Defender Morgan appears to have cemented her place as England's centre-back partner to captain Leah Williamson when she returns from injury.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“I hated discussing ideas with investors,” he said, “because I then become a Defender of the Idea, and that influences your thought process.”

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter