white knight

American  

noun

1. a hero who comes to the rescue.

2. a beleaguered champion who fights heroically for a cause, as in politics.

3. Informal. a company that comes to the rescue of another, as to prevent a takeover.

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white knight British  

noun

1. a champion or rescuer, esp a person or organization that rescues a company from financial difficulties, an unwelcome takeover bid, etc

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Usage

What else does white knight mean? In internet slang, a white knight is a man who comes to the unsolicited defense of a woman online, in the hopes of romantic or sexual favor. A white knight can also more generally refer to someone who rushes to the defense of another online, usually a person whose actions aren’t seen as worthy of defense. How is white knight  pronounced?[ wahyt nahyt ]What are some other forms of white knight?white-knightingWhat are some other words related to white knight?

• nice guy
• mansplain

Etymology

Origin of white knight

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Nc1 Qc2, and the White knight can’t be saved; Karthik resigned.

From Washington Times • Aug. 8, 2023

“The Laughter” is an impressive performance, a disturbing character study of a man who views himself as the literal White knight in almost every scenario.

From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023

White’s edge is just a pawn, but Caruana’s pressure eventually forces a queen trade and the White knight continues to embarrass Howell’s ill-fated bishop: 28.

From Washington Times • Nov. 2, 2021

Bg5, with the idea of relocating the White knight to f4.

From Washington Times • Aug. 25, 2015

Qxg6 hxg6, but Korley still faces nagging developmental issues and can’t evict the annoying White knight on g5.

From Washington Times • Sep. 23, 2014

Related Words

• savior