protect
verb (used with object)
to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
was protecting
-
past progressiveof protect.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The immediate challenge was protecting vulnerable customers and then determining how and where support should be focused, he added.
From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026
“With the film, my priority was protecting what readers cared about most and helping Brett make something they’d be excited to see.”
From Salon ● Jan. 14, 2026
Justin Wrobleski was, protecting a 3-1 lead, and he delivered a scoreless seventh inning.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2025
Tchiroma, stowed away in his residence since Monday, said Friday that part of the army was protecting him and called for public support through a "ghost towns" strategy from Monday to Wednesday.
From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2025
“That agent’s been fooling around with her. He told you she had a disease so that you’d be scared to bother her. He was protecting her from you.”
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
