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REFERENCE

follower

n.
US //ˈfɑɫoʊɝ// UK //fˈɒləʊɐ// fol·low·er
  1. 1 social media subscriber (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    someone who chooses to see your posts and updates on a social media app.

    a user who subscribes to another account's feed on a digital platform to receive regular content updates.

    Example

    She was excited because she gained over a hundred new followers after her video went viral.

    Example

    The influencer's engagement rates remained high despite a slight dip in her total number of followers following the controversial post.

  2. 2 supporter of a leader or idea (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person who supports a leader, a religion, or a set of ideas.

    an adherent or devotee who accepts the teachings or leadership of another person or movement.

    Example

    The philosopher had many loyal followers who travelled long distances to hear him speak.

    Example

    The movement struggled to maintain its momentum once the core followers began to disagree on the interpretation of the original manifesto.

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  1. 3 someone who follows behind (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person who physically walks or travels behind someone else.

    one who physically moves behind or pursues another person or entity.

    Example

    The king entered the hall with a long line of followers behind him.

    Example

    The detective noticed a persistent follower in the reflection of the shop window, confirming his suspicion that he was being watched.

  2. 4 mechanical part (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a part of a machine that is moved by another part.

    a mechanical component that receives motion from another part, such as a cam.

    Example

    The cam pushes the follower up and down to open the valve.

    Example

    Engineers must ensure the follower maintains constant contact with the cam profile to prevent mechanical vibration at high speeds.

Origin

From Middle English folwer, folwere, folewer, from Old English folgere (“follower; attendant; disciple”), equivalent to follow + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Foulger, West Frisian folger, Dutch volger, German Folger, Swedish följare.

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