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 Words From

• pro·tecti·ble pro·tecta·ble adjective
• pro·tecti·bili·ty pro·tecta·bili·ty noun
• over·pro·tect verb (used with object)
• quasi-pro·tected adjective
• semi·pro·tected adjective
• unpro·tecta·ble adjective
• unpro·tected adjective
• well-pro·tected 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

“This goes a long way to protecting fairness in women’s sports and it recognizes that our chromosomal makeup actually affects how we develop in a way that’s irreversible,” Olson said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m hoping that others that are behind me, that were here, that risked a lot to show up and tell the truth, that they’ll be protected,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In some cases, such as Mauritius, this meant developing new ways to try and protect the vote by ensuring every stage of the electoral process was carefully watched.

From BBC

She said the phased rollout was needed to protect access to other NHS services that patients rely on.

From BBC

“In California, abortion is constitutionally protected, and you have a president-elect who has said very clearly he will not support any national abortion ban,” Gallagher said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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