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

They have lost their two top running backs, too, and cannot protect Justin Herbert, absorbing more hits than any quarterback in the league.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We will continue to work responsibly with the mediators to ensure that the occupation is bound to protect the rights of our people and end their suffering," they said in a joint statement.

Read more on Barron's

“Decades of enforceable copyright law establishes that content owners do not need to ‘opt out’ to prevent infringing uses of their protected IP,” Warner Bros.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As mitochondria naturally wear down over time, protecting them could help older adults to fight infections and stay healthier.

Read more on Science Daily

Ms Njoki said she would ask Defence Secretary John Healey about what systems the British army intended to put in place to protect vulnerable local women who live around international army bases.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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