champion
CHAM-pee-uhn
/ˈtʃæm.pi.ən/
To vigorously support or defend a person, cause, or principle.
Implies using one's influence, power, or voice to protect and promote something that might otherwise be ignored or defeated.
The story behind the word. In medieval times, a 'champion' was a warrior who entered the 'campus' (the field of battle) to fight a duel on behalf of someone else—such as a king, a noblewoman, or an injured person who could not fight for themselves. This trial by combat meant the champion took on all the physical risk for another's cause, which is why the verb still means to fight for someone else's rights.
Word relationships
- advocate: Advocate means to speak in favor of something, while champion has a more heroic, combative tone, implying you are fighting on behalf of the cause.
- support: Support is a general term for helping or agreeing, whereas champion implies leading the defense or promotion of the cause.
- oppose: To oppose is to actively fight against or disapprove of a cause or person.
- combat: To combat is to fight against something to destroy or stop it.
Commonly confused with
- sponsor: A sponsor provides financial or official backing, while a champion provides active, passionate advocacy and personal defense.
Word family
- championing (noun): The act of defending or supporting a cause.
Collocations
- champion a cause
- champion a project
- champion the rights of
- actively champion
Example sentences
- "Throughout his career, the senator chose to champion the rights of working-class families." A political biography.
- "We need a senior executive who will champion this green initiative to the board." A corporate meeting about sustainability.
Memory hook
A champion doesn't just win a trophy; they use their strength to fight for those who cannot fight. A champion fights in the field for your cause.
When not to use
Do not use if you are merely agreeing with an idea in private. Championing requires public, active advocacy.
Fun facts
- The word 'camp' and 'campaign' share the same Latin root 'campus' (field), reflecting the military origins of these terms.
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