noun

defender

defender, protector, advocate

The defender cleared the ball from the goal.

The defender cleared the ball from the goal.

She is a staunch defender of animal rights.

She is a staunch defender of animal rights.

((a/the)) defender of ((sth.)) a person who defends (sth.) She is a defender of free speech.

Synonyms: protector, guardian, advocate; Antonyms: attacker, opponent

From the verb 'defend' + the agent suffix '-er'. 'Defend' comes from Latin 'defendere' (to ward off).

Picture a shield (defense) and a person (-er) holding it.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.