B2noun1K

Defender

UK /["/dɪˈfendə(r)/"]/US /["/dɪˈfendər/"]/

Definition

a player who must stop the other team from scoring in games such as football (soccer), hockey, etc.

In simple words: A player who helps stop the other team from scoring.

Examples

  • a passionate defender of human rights

Usage notes

Use 'defender' mainly in sports contexts. It’s appropriate in formal discussions about games but might be less common in casual conversation unless discussing a specific match or player.

Grammar pattern

noun + modifier (e.g. defensive defender)

Memory hint

Think of a 'defender' as someone defending the goal, like a knight guarding a castle.

Collocations

  • central defender
  • wing defender
  • defender position
  • defender role
  • defensive midfielder

Synonyms

  • guardian
  • protector
  • stopper
  • back
  • safeguarder

Antonyms

  • attacker
  • offender

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'defence', which refers to the action or strategy.
  • Using 'defender' to describe a non-sporting context, which can be misleading.