defender
One who shields
A defender is someone who protects or guards against attack or harm.
In sports, defenders prevent the opposing team from scoring: The defender blocked the shot.
In law, a defender argues on behalf of the accused—a public defender represents those who cannot afford private counsel.
More broadly, anyone who champions a cause or person: a defender of free speech, a defender of the poor.
One who safeguards others
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- custodianGuardian of a place
- caretakerOne who maintains property
- stewardManager for another
keeper · watchman · sentinel · bodyguard · escort · champion · upholder · preserver
Gear or takedown
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- markingIndicating with symbols
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
backline · man-to-man · zonal · cover · pressing · challenge · slide-tackle · center-back
Armed forces member
- warriorOne skilled in combat
- garrisonStationed military force
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
- rampartFortified defensive wall
fortification · stronghold · citadel · bastion · bulwark · barricade · bunker · trench
Public cause supporter
- counselExpert guidance offered
- attorneyLicensed legal representative
- barristerUK courtroom advocate
- solicitorDocument-drafting legal professional
litigator · pleader · acquittal · cross-examination · objection · testimony · verdict · client
Defender of a cause
- theologianExpert in religious doctrine
- evangelistZealous advocate or preacher
- missionaryReligious outreach worker
- martyrVictim for beliefs
believer · faithful · witness · crusader · guardian · steward · scripture · doctrine
protector
One who safeguards others
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- custodianGuardian of a place
- caretakerOne who maintains property
steward · keeper · watchman · sentinel · bodyguard · escort · champion · upholder · preserver · conservator
tackle
Gear or takedown
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- markingIndicating with symbols
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
clearance · backline · man-to-man · zonal · cover · pressing · challenge · slide-tackle · center-back · fullback
soldier
Armed forces member
- warriorOne skilled in combat
- garrisonStationed military force
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
rampart · fortification · stronghold · citadel · bastion · bulwark · barricade · bunker · trench · outpost
advocate
Public cause supporter
solicitor · litigator · pleader · acquittal · cross-examination · objection · testimony · verdict · client · courtroom
apologist
Defender of a cause
- theologianExpert in religious doctrine
- evangelistZealous advocate or preacher
- missionaryReligious outreach worker
martyr · believer · faithful · witness · crusader · guardian · steward · scripture · doctrine · tradition
advocate
Public cause supporter
crusader · campaigner · proponent · upholder · promoter · backer · ally · voice · spokesperson · ambassador
- athletesathlete, Olympian, champion, swimmers, runner
- footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, quarterback, end zone
- heroeshero, heroes, heroine, heroines, superhero
- advocatesadvocate, activist, campaigner, crusader, lobbyist
- protectorsprotector, guardian, guard, sentinel, keeper
- soldiersinfantryman, private, grenadier, grenadiers, fusilier
defenderattacker
One who strikes first
aggressor · invader · assailant · raider · antagonist
defenderprosecutor
Government's trial lawyer
accuser · plaintiff · district attorney · state's attorney · complainant
defenderattacker
One who strikes first
forward · striker · goal scorer · winger · quarterback
- defend yourselfGuard against threats personally
- public defenderAttorney representing those unable to afford one
- defending championReturning victor seeking retention
- defending the weakGuarding those without power
- defendant's rightsLegal protections for accused persons
- human rights defendersThose protecting fundamental freedoms
defend, defended, defending, defends, defendant, defenders, undefended, defendants