Protect Definition & Meaning

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    • Synonyms protect American [pruh-tekt] / prəˈtɛkt /

    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 British / 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)

    "Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

    Related Words

    See defend.

    Other Word Forms

    • overprotect verb (used with object)
    • protectability noun
    • protectable adjective
    • protectibility noun
    • protectible adjective
    • quasi-protected adjective
    • semiprotected adjective
    • unprotectable adjective
    • unprotected adjective
    • well-protected adjective

    Etymology

    Origin of protect

    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 )

    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.

    Wu suspected that a widely available dietary compound might help protect the heart.

    From Science Daily

    In the days that followed, Stokes' players protected him, restoring the smile to the skipper's face.

    From BBC

    Several months ago Hobbs toured La Paz County and spoke with residents about ways to protect the area’s water.

    From Los Angeles Times

    The move was "aimed at securing and protecting the airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions," Poland's Armed Forces said.

    From BBC

    General Turki al-Malki, the spokesman for the Riyadh-led groups, said they would act "directly and at the appropriate moment ... to protect civilian life", according to the Saudi news agency SPA.

    From Barron's

    Related Words

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

    Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

    Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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