champion
English meaning: Champion
Definition
An ongoing winner in a game or contest.
Example
“The defending champion is expected to defeat his challenger.”
Another example: “She has long championed the rights of disabled workers.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun and verb. As a noun: a winner of a competition ('reigning champion'), or a passionate supporter of a cause ('a champion of human rights'). As a verb: to support or defend a cause vigorously ('champion the rights of workers'). The 'supporter' sense is somewhat formal and admiring.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'campio' (a fighter in the arena), from 'campus' (field of battle), via Old French 'champion'.
Synonyms
- paladin
- friend
- supporter
- protagonist
- best
- defend
- champ
- booster
- fighter
- admirer
Antonyms / Opposites
- loser
- opponent
- detractor
Related Words
- italics
- hurdle
- medalist
- filly
- wbc
- racehorse
- sire
- welterweight
- heavyweight
- bold
Common Collocations
- reigning champion
- world champion
- champion of the cause
- defending champion
- champion a cause
- former champion
Word Forms
champion (n); champions (pl); champion (v); championed; championing
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B