supporter

[suh-pawr-ter, -pohr-]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonsupporter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of supporter¹

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

Example Sentences

The president also campaigned on cracking down on illegal immigration, telling supporters he believed migrants were stealing jobs from Americans.

From BBC

"We are seeing the rise of the turquoise tide," he told supporters, who had been summoned to the hall three hours earlier than expected over the Birmingham venue's public address system.

From BBC

He won fans across the capital when he led the campaign to save Hearts Football Club from administration as the chairman of the supporters group.

From BBC

But the survivors and their supporters were skeptical, and it’s no wonder.

From Salon

"Every time he touched the ball, the crowd erupted - not just our fans, but Galaxy supporters and Mexican fans in general," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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