People or things that protect, guard, or support something against attack or harm. In sports, players whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
From Old French defendeor, from Latin defensor, derived from defendere meaning 'to ward off, protect.' Formed from de- (away) + -fendere (to strike, push).
The word 'defender' shares its root with 'fence' - both come from the Latin concept of striking or pushing away threats. In legal systems, 'public defenders' ensure everyone has protection in court, while in soccer, defenders literally fence off the goal from attackers.
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