protect

[ pruh-tekt ]

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.).

verb (used without object)

1. to provide, or be capable of providing, protection:

   a floor wax that protects as well as shines.

protect

/ 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)

Other Words From

• pro·tecti·ble pro·tecta·ble adjective
• pro·tecti·bili·ty pro·tecta·bili·ty noun
• over·pro·tect verb (used with object)
• quasi-pro·tected adjective
• semi·pro·tected adjective
• unpro·tecta·ble adjective
• unpro·tected adjective
• well-pro·tected adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protect¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of protect¹

C16: from Latin prōtegere to cover before, from pro- ¹+ tegere to cover

Synonym Study

See defend.

Example Sentences

Fluoride - a naturally occurring mineral recognised to protect teeth against decay - is added to water supplies in many countries, including the US, where around 63% of the population have fluoridated water.

From BBC

Links between the agencies and the killers “went unchecked for many years and was actively concealed, condoned, protected, and facilitated by government agents”, the lawsuit says.

From BBC

"And the poorer people in society are the ones that are going to suffer, and that's what Labour should be protecting."

From BBC

It’s also possible that Kennedy could protect the budgets of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Cook said.

From Los Angeles Times

In a victory speech on election night, the senator-elect said that he was “committed to taking on the big fights to protect our freedoms and to protect our democracy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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