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nounnoun

der Abwehrspieler, –

defender

Definition & meaning

An Abwehrspieler is a sports player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. In team sports like football (soccer), handball, or field hockey, this player is positioned in front of their own goal to block shots, intercept passes, and tackle opponents.

The term refers specifically to:

  1. Defensive player: Someone responsible for the defensive line in a game.
  2. Defender: A common term used in soccer for those who play in the backfield (often classified into center-backs and full-backs).

Grammar & Word origin

This is a compound noun formed from two parts:

  • Abwehr: Defense, protection, or repulsion.
  • Spieler: Player.

The word is masculine (der) and the plural form is also die Abwehrspieler. The word is derived from the verb abwehren , meaning "to defend" or "to ward off," and spielen , meaning "to play."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Verteidiger (The most common synonym in sports contexts)
  • Defensivspieler

Antonyms:

  • Stürmer (Forward/Striker)
  • Angreifer (Attacker)
  • Offensivspieler (Offensive player)

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Examples

Der Abwehrspieler steht vor dem Tor.noun

The defender stands in front of the goal.

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