protector

American  

[pruh-tek-ter] / prəˈtɛk tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that protects; defender; guardian.

2. English History.

   1. a person in charge of the kingdom during the sovereign's minority, incapacity, or absence.

   2. Also called Lord Protector.  (initial capital letter) the title of the head of the government during the period of the Protectorate, held by Oliver Cromwell (1653–58) and by Richard Cromwell, his son (1658–59).

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protector ¹ British  

/ prəˈtɛktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that protects

2. history a person who exercised royal authority during the minority, absence, or incapacity of the monarch

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Protector ² British  

/ prəˈtɛktə /

noun

1. short for Lord Protector, the title borne by Oliver Cromwell (1653–58) and by Richard Cromwell (1658–59) as heads of state during the period known as the Protectorate

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Other Word Forms

• protectoral adjective
• protectorless adjective
• protectorship noun
• protectress noun
• subprotector noun
• subprotectorship noun

Etymology

Origin of protector

1325–75; < Late Latin ( protect, -tor ); replacing Middle English protectour < Middle French

Example Sentences

A low-cost approach worked for batteries and surge protectors.

From The Wall Street Journal

As usual, their longtime friend and protector Calvin Brown chaperoned.

From Literature

Nagi says many of the children come from dysfunctional families and her teachers often have to double-up as their counsellors and protectors.

From BBC

Over time, Superman has been transformed into a moody teen and a Christ-figure, a violent threat and a cuddly protector.

From The Wall Street Journal

Especially the tiniest ones, like a cricket that reminds him that he was once a protector.

From Salon

Related Words

• benefactor
• bulwark
• defender
• partisan
• patron
• savior