champion
CHAM-pee-un
/ˈtʃæm.pi.ən/
To vigorously support or defend a person or cause; (n) a person who fights or argues for a cause.
Implies a higher level of enthusiasm and leadership than 'advocate'. A champion is often the primary fighter for the cause.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'campio', meaning a fighter in the 'campus' (field of battle). In medieval times, a champion was someone who fought in a trial by combat on behalf of another.
Word relationships
- espouse: Espouse implies adopting a belief; champion implies actively fighting for it.
- oppose: To oppose is to actively work against what a champion fights for.
Commonly confused with
- advocate: Advocates speak; champions lead and fight.
Word family
- championship (noun): The act of defending or supporting something.
Collocations
- champion a cause
- champion the rights of
- unlikely champion
Example sentences
- "The CEO decided to champion the new sustainability initiative personally." Corporate leadership
- "He championed the cause of civil rights throughout his long career." Social justice
Memory hook
A champion is the 'champ' of a cause. Field fighter.
When not to use
Don't confuse the verb form with the noun meaning 'winner of a competition' in formal contexts.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, kings had official 'Champions' whose job was to challenge anyone who questioned the king's right to rule.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.