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

There are a series of rules and laws that we put in place to protect the public that go well beyond antifraud provisions.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

“The victim families, sometimes paid, with a calculation that a single payment would protect their family and business in India and the United States as well.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Here’s a glimpse into what’s been lost and what methods are being used to protect artistic and historic sites during wartime now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

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

He knew they sprayed a stinky smell to protect themselves, and he knew they were mammals, and he knew they were omnivores because they ate bugs and smaller animals and plants, too.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

Related Words

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