protect
verb (used with object)
to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
have been protecting
-
present perfect progressiveof protect.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said Stacy was dealing with complex and conflicting circumstances - the fear that someone who "should" have been protecting her was dangerous, as well as "fear from outsiders looking in".
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
“They destroyed our trees, which we have been protecting for four years, in eight days. As residents of Ikizkoy, we do not break our promise until the end. We will fight to the last drop.”
From Washington Times ● Jul. 31, 2023
Benjamin Franklin invented lightning rods in the 18th century, and the devices have been protecting buildings and people from the destructive forces of lightning ever since.
From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2023
“But neither are the lives of the elected leaders and support staff that we have been protecting, the historic and symbolic buildings they work in or the processes of democracy they represent.”
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 6, 2021
"We have been protecting the face of nature," he shouted.
From The Scarlet Car by Richard Harding Davis
