protector

[ pruh-tek-ter ]

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. (initial capital letter) Also called Lord Protector. 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).

Protector

¹

/ 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

protector

²

/ 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

Derived Forms

• proˈtectress, noun:feminine
• proˈtectoral, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·tector·al adjective
• pro·tector·less adjective
• pro·tector·ship noun
• subpro·tector noun
• subpro·tector·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of protector¹

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

Example Sentences

“I will be your protector,” he says, one of the creepiest gaslighting lines that women in abusive relationships often hear.

From Salon

Swire paid tribute to her father in a social media post: "RIP my beloved father, John Nott, protector, politician, farmer, me."

From BBC

As the liberal antithesis to conservative dogma on abortion, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, California is naturally poised to reprise the role the state played during the first Trump presidency as a GOP foil and protector of Democratic values.

From Los Angeles Times

“California will continue to be at the forefront of progress, the bulwark of democracy, the champion of innovation and the protector of our rights and freedoms,” Schiff said.

From Los Angeles Times

He's lately taken to saying that he'll be women's "protector" which, coming from him, is more of a threat.

From Salon

Related Words

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