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.
These regulations aren’t new and have been protecting the health of port communities for almost 20 years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
“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
“When they should have been protecting all of us workers and residents, they basically left us exposed, abandoned.”
From Washington Times ● May 28, 2020
This week Endframe fires Seth Lee, its computer security expert, the guy who should have been protecting its systems from hacks.
From New York Times ● May 31, 2015
You now know the real reason of the restraint I have put upon your liberty: I have been protecting instead of detaining you.
From Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists by Washington Irving
