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

Ms Roberts bought a spy camera over concerns about Mr Stockton and her son but failed to take any further action to protect him, it is alleged.

From BBC

"This decision ignores the market realities, and will only serve to protect incumbent marketplaces from competition."

From BBC

In many ways, nature became Tanton’s religion, and the mission to protect it consumed him.

From Salon

Sierra Club founder John Muir rhapsodized about the purity of wilderness, supporting the push to protect Yosemite’s lands from the “dirty” influence of the native tribes who inhabited it.

From Salon

The status quo has failed to protect Crusius’ community, and the logical response was vigilantism.

From Salon

Related Words

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