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

The first volunteers in the UK have been immunised with a vaccine to protect against a potential bird flu pandemic.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

“As the security environment grows increasingly severe, no nation can protect its own peace and security alone,” Takaichi said in a message Tuesday in her official account on X.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

He must simultaneously protect the cash machine that is the iPhone while finding the next platform — whether that’s spatial computing, health, automotive, or something that doesn’t yet have a name.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Mexican authorities were quick to repeat earlier assertions that a strict regimen was in place to protect to the matches.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

“There is no need to apologize for the lantern; I understand the streetlights are dimmed to protect the city from German planes.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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