protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər 

1

a

: one that protects : guardian

b

: a device used to prevent injury : guard

2

a

: one having the care of a kingdom during the king's minority : regent

b

: the executive head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659

called also Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

protectorship

prə-ˈtek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

• guardian
• defender
• custodian
• protection
• bodyguard

Examples of protector in a Sentence

She sees her older brother as her protector.

a protector of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

For longevity, Poole highly recommends applying a chemical protector to couches. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025

And so at some point, the healthier one becomes the protector in adulthood. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025

The fallout will hit the mourning Cami (Moore), forcing a quick transition to protector of her husband’s company and legacy as board member. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

As the protector and defender of the universe, Sagittarius is a shoo-in for Gryffindor. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing protector

• surge protector

Rhymes for protector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Kids Definition

protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər 

1

: a person or thing that protects or is intended to protect

2

: a person who takes charge of a kingdom while the king or queen is too young to rule : regent