Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who defends or protects someone or something from harm, danger, or attack: A "defender" is someone who actively guards, supports, or stands up for a person, place, idea, or principle.
   • A player in a sports team whose main role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring: In sports like soccer, hockey, or basketball, a "defender" is a player positioned to stop the opponents' attacks.

Examples of Usage

• General Use:

  • She is a passionate defender of human rights. (She actively supports and protects the principles of human rights.)
  • The castle's defenders fought bravely against the invading army. (The people protecting the castle resisted the attack courageously.)

• Sports Use:

  • The team's defender made a crucial tackle to stop the goal. (The player whose job is to prevent scoring successfully intercepted the opponent.)
  • He plays as a central defender for his national team. (His position on the team is primarily to stop the other team's forwards.)

Advanced Usage

• "To come to the defense of": To act as a defender for someone by supporting them verbally or physically.
  • He immediately came to the defense of his colleague during the argument. (He quickly stepped in to support and speak up for his colleague.)

Variants and Related Words

• Defend (verb): To protect from harm or danger.
  • Soldiers defend their country.
• Defensive (adjective): Used for protecting, or showing a desire to defend.
  • She took a defensive stance.
• Defense (noun): The act of defending or protecting.
  • The lawyer presented a strong defense for her client.

Synonyms

• Protector: Someone who keeps someone or something safe from harm.
• Guardian: A person who protects or defends something.
• Champion: A person who vigorously supports or defends a person or cause.
• Advocate: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

Related Phrases

• Public defender: A lawyer employed by the state to represent people who cannot afford private legal counsel.
  • The court appointed a public defender for the accused.
• Last defender: In sports, often the final player between an attacker and the goalkeeper or goal line.
  • The last defender was penalized for a foul in the penalty area.

Noun

1. a fighter who holds out against attack
2. a person who cares for persons or property