Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun defender

2 senses of defender

Sense 1
defender, guardian, protector, shielder -- (a person who cares for persons or property)
       => preserver -- (someone who keeps safe from harm or danger)

Sense 2
defender, withstander -- (a fighter who holds out against attack)
       => combatant, battler, belligerent, fighter, scrapper -- (someone who fights (or is fighting))