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

He spoke of how he lost his country home to regime supporters and lives on a pension that’s nearly worthless because of inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They were only here to protect us, not to fight,” Cordier said of Deranque and other supporters of her group at the event, in a TV interview.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The supporters see the joy he plays the game with and they are excited by him."

From BBC

On Friday, he rallied with supporters in his hometown of Maracaibo, Venezuela's second city.

From Barron's

She and her husband were enthusiastic backers of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s expansion efforts and are listed on its website as capital campaign supporters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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