Supporter Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms supporter American [suh-pawr-ter, -pohr-] / səˈpɔr tər, -ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. a person or thing that supports.

2. an adherent, follower, backer, or advocate.

3. a device, usually of elastic cotton webbing, for supporting some part of the body, especially a jockstrap.

4. a garter, especially one attached to a garter belt or girdle.

5. Heraldry. either of two human or animal figures flanking and supporting an escutcheon in an achievement of arms.

supporter British / səˈpɔːtə /

noun

1. a person who or thing that acts as a support

2. a person who backs a sports team, politician, etc

3. a garment or device worn to ease the strain on or restrict the movement of a bodily structure or part

4. heraldry a figure or beast in a coat of arms depicted as holding up the shield

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• nonsupporter noun

Etymology

Origin of supporter

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; support + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The founder of Sports Direct was not a popular figure for many supporters.

From BBC

On Thursday, that fight was on display at the biggest annual event of Kirk’s own group, in front of 31,000 of its most enthusiastic supporters.

From The Wall Street Journal

“His supporters wanted to see a steady hand. That didn’t come across at all.”

From Salon

It is normally a good game when these two sides meet but, going into it this time, I suppose both sets of supporters are unsure how their team will perform.

From BBC

His supporters and detractors alike agree that his power lies in how accessible and active he is.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ally
• defender
• follower
• patron
• proponent
• support

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.