Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who has defeated all opponents in a competition: A "champion" is the winner of a contest or tournament, holding first place.
   • A person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else: A "champion" is a vigorous supporter or defender of a person or principle.
   • A person who is very skilled in a particular field: Informally, a "champion" can describe someone who is exceptionally proficient.

2. Verb:

   • To support, defend, or fight for a person, cause, or principle: To "champion" means to advocate for something vigorously.

3. Adjective:

   • Excellent, first-rate; holding first place: Informally, "champion" can describe something of superb quality. More formally, it describes a winner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She is the reigning world chess champion. (She is the current winner of the world chess competition.)
  • He was a tireless champion for human rights. (He was a tireless defender of human rights.)
  • As a mechanic, she's a real champion. (She is exceptionally skilled as a mechanic.)

• Verb:

  • The lawyer championed the case for environmental protection. (The lawyer vigorously argued for the cause of environmental protection.)
  • She has long championed the rights of workers. (She has long fought for the rights of workers.)

• Adjective:

  • That was a champion performance! (That was an excellent performance!)
  • The champion show dog will be presented last. (The dog that won first place in the show will be presented last.)

Advanced Usage

• "To crown a champion": to officially declare someone the winner.
  • The final match will crown the new national champion.
• "A champion of the people": a person who fights for the rights and welfare of ordinary citizens.
  • The senator styled himself as a champion of the people.

Variants and Related Words

• Championship (n): 1. The position or title of being a champion. 2. A contest to decide a champion.
  • He won the championship three years in a row.
  • The national championship will be held next month.
• Championing (gerund/n): The act of supporting or fighting for a cause.
  • Her championing of free education inspired many.

Synonyms

• Noun (Winner): Victor, titleholder, titlist, winner.
• Noun (Supporter): Advocate, defender, supporter, proponent.
• Verb: Advocate for, defend, support, promote.
• Adjective (Informal): Excellent, superb, first-rate, splendid.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• "A champion's heart": possessing the determination, courage, and spirit of a winner, regardless of the current outcome.
  • He may have lost the match, but he has a champion's heart.
• "To emerge as the champion": to become the winner after a struggle or competition.
  • After a grueling tournament, the underdog emerged as the champion.

Adjective

1. holding first place in a contest
   • a champion show dog
   • a prizewinning wine

Noun

1. someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
2. a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
   • all their supporters came out for the game
   • they are friends of the library
3. someone who fights for a cause
4. someone who has won first place in a competition

Verb

1. protect or fight for as a champion