defender

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɛndə(r)/

noun

  • 1a person who defends someone or something: a determined defender of British interests
  • Bridge either member of the partnership that did not win the auction. Compare with declarer.
  • 2(in sport) a player whose task it is to protect their own side’s goal: Owen surged between two defenders, then drove the ball out of the reach of the goalkeeper
  • 3 Scots Lawanother term for defendant.