A person who actively protects or argues for someone or something under threat.
Reach for it when naming a reliable protector or advocate in a positive cause
Omar became a defender of the wetland after documenting its rare birds.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal |
everyday
Fits when solidarity and dependable support matter most
Careful An ally may stand beside the group without taking the lead in its defense.
everyday
Fits when keeping someone safe from harm is the main role
Careful Protector does not cover reasoned public advocacy as naturally as defender.
warm
Fits when energetic public support helps a cause grow
Careful Champion sounds promotional and can overstate someone who only responds to attacks.
warm
Fits when ongoing care and responsibility accompany protection
Careful Guardian may imply legal authority or custody that the person does not have.
professional
Fits when speaking for rights, needs, or policy is the actual work
Careful Advocacy need not involve a threat or opposition, which defender normally implies.
formal
custodian
Fits when entrusted care of a place, tradition, or resource is central
Careful Custodian stresses stewardship and may not confront an active challenge.
staunch defender
A staunch defender of free libraries, she attended every funding hearing.
public defender
The public defender explained each option in plain language.
defender of rights
He earned respect as a defender of rights across party lines.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Steve Shives, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated
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