defender vs protector

defender and protector both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
defender	Yes	No	No	No
protector	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, defender and protector are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of defender include guardian, shielder.

defender (noun)	protector (noun)
a person who cares for persons or property	a person who cares for persons or property
a fighter who holds out against attack