protect
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
- Antonyms:
- attack
-
Economics. to guard (the industry or an industry of a nation) from foreign competition by imposing import duties.
-
to provide funds for the payment of (a draft, note, etc.).
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to defend from trouble, harm, attack, etc
-
economics to assist (domestic industries) by the imposition of protective tariffs on imports
-
commerce to provide funds in advance to guarantee payment of (a note, draft, etc)
Related Words
See defend.
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing protect
Motherlode: A Mother's Day Lexicon
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Check It Out, Mate: Chess Vocabulary
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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC
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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.
Protect Democracy just released a comprehensive report on threats to the 2026 elections.
From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026
A report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists recently found that 2025 was the deadliest year on record for the press, with 129 journalists and media workers killed worldwide.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
Her detention has prompted advocacy from press freedom and immigrant rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, which urged authorities to release Rodriguez and ensure protections for reporters.
From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026
Jonathan Hanreck, representing Protect Brockwell Park, said: "This decision rests on assumptions rather than evidence, particularly about harm."
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026
‘There is only death above. You will be safer in the tunnels. Hurry back. Forget you saw us. Protect yourselves.’
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
