defenders
Those who protect
Defenders are people or things that protect against attack, harm, or challenge.
In sports, defenders are players whose primary role is preventing the opposing team from scoring—they guard territory rather than advance toward goals.
In legal contexts, a defender represents the accused, as in a public defender.
The word extends to anyone who argues in support of a person, idea, or cause: She became one of the policy's most vocal defenders.
The defenders held the line against the assault.
Blocking backfield position
- sweeperOne who cleans floors
- stopperClosure for an opening
- liberoDefensive volleyball specialist
- goalkeeperNet-defending player
wingback · halfback · backline · marking · tackle · clearance · interception · offside trap
Stationed military force
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- strongholdFortified place of defense
- bastionFortified defensive position
rampart · bulwark · fortification · bunker · watchtower · parapet · palisade · barricade
One who safeguards others
- custodianGuardian of a place
- sentinelGuard who monitors
- watchmanBuilding security guard
- caretakerOne who maintains property
steward · keeper · warden · escort · shepherd · patron · safeguard · vigilance
fullback
Blocking backfield position
goalkeeper · wingback · halfback · backline · marking · tackle · clearance · interception · offside trap · zonal
garrison
Stationed military force
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- strongholdFortified place of defense
bastion · rampart · bulwark · fortification · bunker · watchtower · parapet · palisade · barricade · sentries
protector
One who safeguards others
caretaker · steward · keeper · warden · escort · shepherd · patron · safeguard · vigilance · preservation
attorney
Licensed legal representative
- barristerUK courtroom advocate
- solicitorDocument-drafting legal professional
- counselExpert guidance offered
advocate · litigator · cross-examination · testimony · acquittal · brief · appeal · verdict · plea · representation
champion
Top competitor, or advocate
- supporterOne who backs another
- upholderOne who maintains something
- proponentOne who advocates something
advocate · activist · crusader · campaigner · ally · voice · cause · rights · justice · reform
- footballfootball, touchdown, field goal, quarterback, end zone
- soccer positionsgoalkeeper, striker, midfielders, wingers, fullbacks
- supportersfan, patron, supporters, backers, backer
- Patriotspatriot, Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, founding father
- athletesathlete, Olympian, champion, swimmers, runner
- heroeshero, heroes, heroine, heroines, superhero
defendersattackers
Those launching offensive action
aggressors · invaders · assailants · offenders · raiders
defendersattackers
Those launching offensive action
strikers · forwards · wingers · scorers · point guards
defendersprosecutors
Lawyers representing the state
accusers · plaintiffs · complainants · litigants · petitioners
- public defenderAttorney representing those unable to afford one
- human rights defendersThose protecting fundamental freedoms
- Windows DefenderBuilt-in antivirus program
- ear defendersHearing protection device
- public defender officeAgency providing free counsel
- federal defenderGovernment-paid criminal defense attorney