defender
8 synonyms for defender, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who protects someone or something, or who argues in support of it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
withstander
shielder
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman defendour, or from Middle English defenden + -ere, following the pattern of "defend" + "-er."
Full origin of defender →Frequently asked questions
What does “defender” mean?
The word “defender” means a person who protects someone or something, or who argues in support of it.
How do you pronounce “defender”?
“Defender” is pronounced dih-FEHN-duh (/dɪˈfɛndə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “defender” in a sentence?
Here is “defender” used in a sentence: “She became a passionate defender of workers' rights.”
What part of speech is “defender”?
“Defender” is a noun.
Where does the word “defender” come from?
The word “defender” comes from Middle English. From Anglo-Norman defendour, or from Middle English defenden + -ere, following the pattern of "defend" + "-er.".
Is “defender” a common word?
“Defender” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “defender” have?
“Defender” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who protects someone or something, or who argues in support of it.
What is the difference between a "defender" and a "protector"?
Both keep someone or something safe, but "protector" emphasizes ongoing guardianship, while "defender" stresses actively resisting an attack or arguing in support against opposition. A defender fights off a threat; a protector shields from harm more generally.
What is the difference between a "defender" and a "defendant"?
In standard English a "defender" protects or argues in support of someone or something, while a "defendant" is the person accused or sued in a court case. Despite the similar spelling, they play very different roles in a legal setting.
What is the opposite of "defender"?
The opposite depends on the sense: it is "attacker" in sport or combat, and "critic" or "opponent" when someone is arguing a case. A defender supports and protects, whereas these roles attack or oppose.
