protect

American  

[pruh-tekt] / prəˈtɛkt /

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.).

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verb (used without object)

1. to provide, or be capable of providing, protection.

   a floor wax that protects as well as shines.

protect British  

/ 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)

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Related Words

See defend.

Other Word Forms

• overprotect verb (used with object)
• protectability noun
• protectable adjective
• protectibility noun
• protectible adjective
• quasi-protected adjective
• semiprotected adjective
• unprotectable adjective
• unprotected adjective
• well-protected adjective

Etymology

Origin of protect

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 )

Explanation

Whether it’s your reputation or your jewelry, when you protect something you keep it safe from anything that might threaten or harm it. The word protect came into English by way of the Latin verb protegere, a combination of pro- meaning “in front,” and tegere, meaning “to cover.” When you protect something, in a way you’re covering it or shielding it from harm. Often the word is used in the sense of protecting something, like a valued item or a person, but you can also protect against something. For example, you might get a flu shot to protect against the flu virus.

Example Sentences

Even a two-week gap between vaccination and birth can be long enough to protect babies born a little early, the study shows.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“Since World War II everyone was relying on the U.S. Navy to protect the freedom of the seas. It was taken for granted. The entirety of global trade by ship relies on this,” she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

The onslaught, largely from the air, has bewildered curators and aid agencies who thought they had figured out how to protect artworks and artifacts from conflicts, using everything from sandbags to padded crates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Those in the reorganization camp will need policymaker support, with guardrails to protect workers, while those jobs that grow with AI need policies that help expand access to those jobs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

How my mom’s been looking at childproof locks for the front door to protect G from herself.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Related Words

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