protagonist
pro·tag·o·nist
noun \prō-ˈta-gə-nist\Definition of PROTAGONIST
1
a : the principal character in a literary work (as a drama or story) b : a leading actor, character, or participant in a literary work or real event
2
: a leader, proponent, or supporter of a cause : champion
Examples of PROTAGONIST
- She was a leading protagonist in the civil rights movement.
- <Milton Friedman is usually cited as the leading American protagonist of monetarism.>
Origin of PROTAGONIST
Greek prōtagōnistēs, from prōt- prot- + agōnistēs competitor at games, actor, from agōnizesthai to compete, from agōn contest, competition at games — more at agony
First Known Use: 1671
Related to PROTAGONIST
Synonyms: advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, exponent, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight
Related Words: loyalist, partisan (also partizan), stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; interpreter; applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler
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