Inklingo

How to Say "defender" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “defender” is “defensor” — use 'defensor' when referring to someone who actively protects or guards something or someone, or a player in a sports position..

English → Spanish

defensor

/deh-fen-SOHR//defenˈsoɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'defensor' when referring to someone who actively protects or guards something or someone, or a player in a sports position.
A brave knight in shining armor holding a large shield to protect a small puppy.

Examples

El defensor de los débiles siempre es admirado.

The defender of the weak is always admired.

Él es un firme defensor de los derechos de los animales.

He is a firm advocate for animal rights.

El abogado actuó como el defensor del acusado.

The lawyer acted as the defender of the accused.

El defensor central bloqueó el disparo.

The center defender blocked the shot.

Linking with 'de'

To show what someone is defending, use the word 'de' right after 'defensor'. For example: 'defensor de la paz' (defender of peace).

Gender Matching

Mistake: “María es un defensor.”

Correction: María es una defensora.

abogado

/ah-boh-GAH-doh//a.βoˈɣa.ðo/

nounB2legal/general
Use 'abogado' specifically when referring to a legal professional who represents clients, or more broadly as an advocate for a cause.
A cheerful person standing on a box, raising a fist enthusiastically to show strong support for a cause.

Examples

Ella es una abogada de los derechos de los animales.

She is an advocate for animal rights.

Él es un gran abogado de los derechos de los animales.

He is a great advocate for animal rights.

Se convirtió en el abogado de los más desfavorecidos.

He became the defender of the most disadvantaged.

campeón

nounB1general
Use 'campeón' when someone is a strong proponent or champion for a specific cause, person, or ideal, often implying a fight or struggle.

Examples

Él es un gran campeón de la justicia social.

He is a great champion of social justice.

defensa

deh-FEN-sah/deˈfensa/

nounA2sports
Use 'defensa' when referring to the collective group of players whose role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring in sports.
Two soccer players wearing the same team jersey stand side-by-side, successfully blocking an opposing player's movement near a goal net.

Examples

La defensa del equipo necesita mejorar.

The team's defense needs to improve.

Nuestra defensa jugó muy bien y no encajamos goles.

Our defense played very well and we didn't concede any goals.

El entrenador decidió reforzar la defensa.

The coach decided to reinforce the defense.

El defensa central recibió una tarjeta amarilla.

The center back (defender) received a yellow card.

Referring to the Player

You can say 'el defensa' (the male defender) or 'la defensa' (the female defender or the entire defensive line). The noun 'defensa' itself is still feminine.

Mixing Genders for the Team

Mistake: “El defensa fue excelente.”

Correction: La defensa fue excelente. (Use 'la' when talking about the group/team performance, use 'el' when referring to a male player.)

Confusing 'defensor' and 'abogado'

Learners often confuse 'defensor' and 'abogado'. While 'abogado' can mean advocate for a cause, it's primarily used for legal professionals. Use 'defensor' for a general protector or guard, and reserve 'abogado' for legal contexts or strong, formal advocacy.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.