擁護者

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 擁護者(ようごしゃ) refers to a person who defends or advocates for people, institutions, or similar targets.
• Basic usage: It identifies someone working for vulnerable people or supporting and defending a system.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Focus compared with 支持者
  • 支持者 focuses on a position of support, whereas 擁護者 highlights defending against criticism or threats.
• Who or what is defended
  • In 制度の擁護者, 制度の links the target of the defense.