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supporter

n.
US //səˈpɔɹtɝ// UK //səpˈɔːtɐ// sup·port·er
  1. 1 sports fan (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Sport

    someone who follows and cheers for a particular sports team.

    a person who follows a specific sports team or athlete, often attending matches and showing public loyalty.

    Example

    Thousands of football supporters gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the win.

    Example

    The club's loyal supporters remained in the stands long after the final whistle, singing anthems to show their appreciation for the team's effort.

    Usage

    Commonly used in British English where American English would prefer 'fan'.
  2. 2 political or social helper (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who agrees with and helps a political leader, a law, or an idea.

    an individual who provides active backing or advocacy for a political party, candidate, or social cause.

    Example

    The candidate thanked her supporters for their hard work during the election.

    Example

    Supporters of the new environmental policy argue that the long-term ecological benefits far outweigh the initial implementation costs.

    Teacher's tip

    In a political context, 'supporter' is more neutral than 'activist' or 'partisan'.
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  1. 3 physical object (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    a thing that holds something else up or keeps it in place.

    a structural or functional object designed to bear weight or maintain the position of another part.

    Example

    The shelf needs an extra supporter in the middle so it doesn't bend.

    Example

    Engineers identified a hairline fracture in the primary steel supporter, necessitating an immediate suspension of the construction project.
Origin

From Middle English supporter, supportour, equivalent to support + -er.

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