Entry Word: backer

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a person who actively supports or favors a cause <backers of prison reform held a rally in front of the statehouse> — see exponent
2 a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing <all financial backers will be expected to offer some input into the company's decisions> — see sponsor
3 someone associated with another to give assistance or moral support <the studentʼs backers spoke at the school board meeting on her behalf> — see ally