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

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Etymology

Origin of defender

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

defender defenders

Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the 68th minute while attempting to claim a cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's free-kick.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

Evans emerges as both a fierce defender of Holmes and a person with great influence over her.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has issued an apology following his controversial remarks criticising the club's hierarchy.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

Former Tottenham and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has said he intends to run, but it appears unlikely he will get the five letters of support from member associations let alone be a serious contender.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

A lorry loaded with sofas and shelves and tables was parked by the side, and a man stood beside it talking to a young female civil defender wearing khaki jeans and canvas shoes.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A handful of defenders noted that the new press secretary had only a day to get ready for her debut.

From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2026

Macrophages are among the immune system's most versatile defenders.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

These arrangements are designed to give defenders a head start, rather than make every advance equally available to attackers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August after becoming one of the most prominent public defenders of Trump's second administration.

From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026

However, the main concentration of Japanese defenders had been where we made our landing.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac

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Related Words

• protector
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• supporter

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