supporter

American  

[suh-pawr-ter, -pohr-] / səˈpɔr tər, -ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. a person or thing that supports.

2. an adherent, follower, backer, or advocate.

3. a device, usually of elastic cotton webbing, for supporting some part of the body, especially a jockstrap.

4. a garter, especially one attached to a garter belt or girdle.

5. Heraldry. either of two human or animal figures flanking and supporting an escutcheon in an achievement of arms.

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supporter British  

/ səˈpɔːtə /

noun

1. a person who or thing that acts as a support

2. a person who backs a sports team, politician, etc

3. a garment or device worn to ease the strain on or restrict the movement of a bodily structure or part

4. heraldry a figure or beast in a coat of arms depicted as holding up the shield

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Other Word Forms

• nonsupporter noun

Etymology

Origin of supporter

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; support + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But with his squad ravaged by injury, he called on the supporters to give their side the encouragement they need to dismiss fears of a relegation battle.

From Barron's

He admits to being a firm supporter of a rules-based international order.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was early in the season that Liverpool supporters noticed a subtle change at the club's training ground.

From BBC

But there were also throngs of Lai's supporters, some of them having camped out for days hoping to get inside for his sentencing.

From BBC

Simon Ng, one of dozens of Lai's supporters who queued for hours outside the court, told AFP he had been a "loyal reader" since Apple Daily was founded in 1995.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ally
• defender
• follower
• patron
• proponent
• support