sympathizer
Americannoun
-
a person who sympathizes.
-
Ophthalmology. an eye that exhibits ophthalmia because of disease or injury of the other.
Usage
What does sympathizer mean? Sympathizer most commonly refers to someone who is supportive of or loyal to someone or something, such as a leader or cause.The verb sympathize most commonly means to feel sympathy with someone—to share their emotions, especially sadness. This is usually understood to mean that you feel bad for them because they are in a negative situation. The word sympathizer can be used to mean someone who sympathizes in this way. It can also refer to someone who offers their sympathies or condolences, such as to someone who is in mourning.But sympathizer is especially used to refer to someone who identifies with, supports, or is sympathetic toward a certain cause. This sense of the word is usually used in a negative way to criticize such support, and often implies that such support is secret or at least not fully open. This is the way the word is used in the phrase Communist sympathizer.Example: We condemn not only the people directly responsible for these attacks but also their sympathizers.
Other Word Forms
- nonsympathizer noun
Etymology
Origin of sympathizer
First recorded in 1805–15; sympathize + -er 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Engelbrecht noted that the shooters didn’t necessarily have to meet with Islamic State operatives or sympathizers to get military training.
He said it was standard practice in Diban, one of several towns where Islamic State has many sympathizers and exerts influence through intimidation.
"I'm not a terrorist sympathizer," she told CNN, adding: "I'm literally just a random student."
From BBC
Although these gardens were arguably Chinese in theme, and the Chinese were U.S. allies in World War II, the suspicions hovered around Bernheimer that he was an Axis sympathizer.
From Los Angeles Times
In addition to news about the case, the website answers frequently asked questions about Mangione's detention and provides a link to sympathizers who wish to donate to Mangione's defense fund.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
