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

After Dobbins, Badie might be Denver’s best pass protector. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025

Strip off all bedding and mattress protectors to be washed. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025

Simmons held up well as the blindside protector for Mahomes — and then during a handful of snaps in front of backup Gardner Minshew. —Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2025

One thing in his favor: Pettus has experience as the personal protector on punt team, though Hawkins has also handled those duties. —Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 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