protect

[pruh-tekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.

   Synonyms: shelter, screen
   Antonyms: attack

2. Economics.,  to guard (the industry or an industry of a nation) from foreign competition by imposing import duties.

3. to provide funds for the payment of (a draft, note, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to provide, or be capable of providing, protection.

   a floor wax that protects as well as shines.

protect

/ prəˈtɛkt /

verb

1. to defend from trouble, harm, attack, etc

2. economics to assist (domestic industries) by the imposition of protective tariffs on imports

3. commerce to provide funds in advance to guarantee payment of (a note, draft, etc)

Other Word Forms

• protectible adjective
• protectable adjective
• protectibility noun
• protectability noun
• overprotect verb (used with object)
• quasi-protected adjective
• semiprotected adjective
• unprotectable adjective
• unprotected adjective
• well-protected adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protect¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin prōtēctus “covered in front,” past participle of prōtegere “to cover in front,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + tegere “to cover” (akin to toga, thatch )

Word History and Origins

Origin of protect¹

C16: from Latin prōtegere to cover before, from _pro- ¹ + tegere to cover

Synonym Study

See defend.

Example Sentences

When in the end there is no fuel left, there is also no force protecting the star from falling onto itself, and the star collapses.

Read more on Space Scoop

"This isn't the first study with such alarming results, which only reinforces the need for urgent action to protect children's health," Rocha concludes.

Read more on Science Daily

In England, the National Health Service issued a “flu jab SOS,” urging those eligible for the free vaccine to get it quickly and protect themselves this winter.

Read more on Salon

The government said it is protecting pubs, restaurants and cafes with a £4.3bn package of support, limiting firms' business rates bills.

Read more on BBC

But I’m betting it’s still a ways off, because Nvidia’s market share is protected by the company’s software, not its hardware.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• assure 
• care for www.thesaurus.com
• conserve 
• cover 
• cushion 
• defend 
• insulate 
• keep 
• look after 
• preserve 
• safeguard 
• save 
• secure 
• shelter 
• shield 
• support