protect
verb (used with object)
to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
protected
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past participleof protect.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof protect.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
protectverb (used with object)to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
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.
Although the research was conducted mainly in protected areas with healthy fish populations and little risk of major outbreaks, the findings could help scientists and conservation managers improve strategies for controlling crown-of-thorns starfish.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026
A slight jab and a vaguely sore arm later, I’m now halfway to being significantly more protected against a shingles outbreak than I was before.
From Slate ● Nov. 1, 2026
Kinnock said there would no be "much of an argument" against the idea if it meant that "Wales was better protected, that the streets were safer" and "that the justice system was more efficient".
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
My family fled Iran during the revolution of 1979, when the Shah, who had protected religious minorities, was overthrown.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
Who’d protected him against mobs of furious animals and destructive children?
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
