Main Entry: pro·tect

Pronunciation: \prə-ˈtekt\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin protectus, past participle of protegere, from pro- in front + tegere to cover — more at pro-, thatch

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 a : to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction : guard b : defend 1c <protect the goal>
2 : to maintain the status or integrity of especially through financial or legal guarantees: as a : to save from contingent financial loss b : to foster or shield from infringement or restriction <salesmen with protected territories> <protect one's rights>; specifically : to restrict competition for (as domestic industries) by means of tariffs or trade controls
3 : defend 5 <protect a lead>intransitive verb : to provide a guard or shield <protects against tooth decay>

synonyms see defend

— pro·tect·able \-ˈtek-tə-bəl\ adjective

— pro·tec·tive \-ˈtek-tiv\ adjective

— pro·tec·tive·ly adverb

— pro·tec·tive·ness noun