1. a person who protects someone or something from attack or harm
2. a player in sports whose main role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring
Usage: sports
3. a person who supports or argues in favor of something

Examples

• The castle’s defenders fought bravely against the invading army.
• She has always been a strong defender of human rights.
• The soccer team’s best defender prevented three goals.
• The public defender represented the accused in court.
• He appointed himself as the defender of the environment.
• The defenders held their position throughout the night.
• As a defender of free speech, she opposed the censorship law.