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

But Defend Our Juries said in a statement beforehand it hoped police "choose to prioritise protecting the public from real terrorism, and not waste resources on enforcing the absurd and ridiculous ban on Palestine Action".

From BBC

This involved them visiting local priests to bless scams, and to cast spells they believed would make victims more compliant, or protect the scammers from being caught.

From BBC

“When I was mayor, they’ll tell you sometimes I had to say no. Why? I wasn’t going to go bankrupt, and I knew I had to protect pensions and the rest of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I felt like if I wanted to have children, it was the responsible decision for me to take. That I needed to protect them from this," Liv explained.

From BBC

Vaccines which help protect against various types of meningitis are given to children, but it's still important to be aware of the symptoms, even if you've had the jabs.

From BBC

Related Words

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