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

He “did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and ... he may have fallen in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness,” officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

While acknowledging that inmate numbers need to be reduced, Victim Support Scotland called for "tangible" action to protect members of the public.

From BBC

"Owing to their ecological importance and rapid decline, it is essential to significantly improve our knowledge and understanding of vultures in order to protect them," says Aschenborn.

From Science Daily

"Understanding these risks allows us to develop better guidelines to protect maternal and child health."

From Science Daily

"Distractions from that mission should be jettisoned... We must use officers' time to protect the public and catch criminals. Offensive speech is not the same as illegal speech."

From BBC

Related Words

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