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defender
/dɪˈfɛndər/
person who protects
The defender blocked the opponent's shot in the final seconds.
The player who protects the goal stopped the ball from entering.
general
A person who protects someone or something from harm or attack.
The city's defenders worked tirelessly to protect its citizens.
The people who safeguarded the city against threats.
She is a defender of human rights.
She actively supports and protects the rights of others.
Often used in sports, law, and social contexts.
technical
In sports, a player who prevents the opposing team from scoring.
The defender intercepted the pass and cleared the ball.
The player on defense stopped the ball from reaching the opponent.
Common in football (soccer), basketball, and other team sports.
Engineering
technical
A device or system designed to protect against damage or intrusion.
The car's airbag acts as a defender in collisions.
The airbag protects passengers during an accident.
Used in mechanical, electronic, and cybersecurity contexts.
Collocations
human rights defendera person who advocates for human rightslegal defendera lawyer who represents a defendant in courtteam defendera player positioned to prevent the opposing team from scoring
Pro Tip
Use in sports
In team sports like football, 'defender' refers to a player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Example: 'The defender made a crucial tackle to stop the goal.'
Gold Rule
Literal vs. metaphorical use
Use 'defender' literally for people or systems that protect. Use metaphorically for advocates (e.g., 'a defender of free speech').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'defendour', from Old French 'defendeor', from Latin 'defensor', from 'defendere' (to defend). Related to 'defend' and 'defense'.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in legal, sports, and social justice contexts. Can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'a defender of freedom').
Word Breakdown
defend
to protect from harm or attack
root-er
person or thing that performs the action
suffixEnglish Dictionary