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

Grillo’s appointed deputy federal public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

In accordance with the reduced severity of the defender's crimes, Maguire's sentence was reduced to 15 months.

From BBC

Former Gunners defender Martin Keown, a three-time Premier League winner, thinks how Arsenal, runners-up in each of the past three seasons, cope with the pressure will define their campaign.

From BBC

Boylan’s attorneys with the federal public defender’s office called it “an unstoppable inferno” and said there was little he could have done after waking amid the flames.

From Los Angeles Times

A formidable presence, a defender's nightmare - too tight and he'll turn you, drop off and he'll bury one from distance, try to tangle and he'll cause you all kinds of chaos.

From BBC

Related Words

• protector
• sponsor
• supporter