defender

/dɪˈfendə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfendər/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈfen-dər/ (ame, mw)

defender — noun

  • defendersingular
  • defendersplural

1. A person who protects a person, a place, or a belief from harm, danger, or criti

1.名詞B1
釋義

A person who protects a person, a place, or a belief from harm, danger, or criticism — for example, a soldier guarding a city, or an activist speaking up for a cause they believe in.

例句

Nikos has always been a passionate defender of free speech and press freedom.

defender + of + abstract noun (freedom / rights)

The ancient castle walls were built by the kingdom's strongest defenders.

historical / military context: defender of a place

同義詞
  • protector

    Focuses more on keeping someone safe from physical harm; less common for abstract ideas

  • guardian

    Suggests a formal or legal responsibility for someone's well-being

  • advocate

    Emphasises speaking or arguing in support of a cause, rather than physical protection

反義詞
  • attacker

    Someone who tries to harm a person or place

  • opponent

    Someone who is against a particular idea, plan, or person

文法句型

defender + of + [person/idea/place]

用法筆記

Often followed by of + noun phrase naming what is protected (e.g., defender of democracy). Covers both physical protection (soldiers, guards) and abstract support (activists, campaigners). Not used in legal contexts to mean 'defence lawyer' — the person on trial is a defendant.

常見錯誤

❌The defender was found guilty by the court.
✅The defendant was found guilty by the court.
💡In legal English, the person accused of a crime is a defendant; a defender is someone who acts to protect or support someone else.

2. A player on a sports team whose main job is to stop the opposing team from scori

2.名詞B1
釋義

A player on a sports team whose main job is to stop the opposing team from scoring goals or points — for example, in football, hockey, or basketball.

例句

Liang is the fastest defender on the football team and rarely lets anyone pass.

superlative + defender + on + team

The defender blocked the shot with her leg, saving the game for her team.

defender performing a defensive action (block / save)

同義詞
  • back

    Shorter term common in British football; includes full-back and centre-back

  • full-back

    Specific position in soccer, rugby, and hockey; narrower than defender

  • guard

    Used in basketball and American football; emphasises a one-on-one marking role

反義詞
  • attacker

    A player whose main job is to score goals

  • forward

    A position focused on attacking the opponent's goal

  • striker

    A forward player whose main role is to score

文法句型

[position word] + defender

play as + defender

用法筆記

Position words frequently precede this sense: central defender, left defender, right defender. In soccer and hockey, the more specific terms full-back and centre-back are also common alternatives.

常見錯誤

❌The defender scored a hat-trick for his team.
✅The defender cleared the ball from the goal line to stop a goal.
💡A defender's primary job is to prevent scoring, not to score; describing a defender mainly by goals sounds unusual.