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 verb1 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 esp. 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