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 of protector

• 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

Sultan-Epe is revered as a protector of seafarers and fishermen—a fitting association for a shrine overlooking the Caspian. — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026

The tracker meanwhile gets black cast wheels, a gray frame and swingarm, extended mudguards, handguards, fork protectors, a flyscreen and a different seat. — New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2026

Cork doesn’t have the size of Lampkin but is the more agile athlete and gives TCU an adequate rim protector. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026

Lakshmana calls out the injustice and solidifies his role as Rama’s protector. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

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