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

Take, for instance, the notion that men need to be sturdy, stoic protectors, responsible for feeding a family but assumed incapable of carework, play, or tenderness. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026

In the spring, simply launder your pillow and mattress protectors. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

The Polk Award honors STAT reporter Lizzy Lawrence for chronicling the upending of the FDA, Americans’ health care protector. —Rick Berke, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026

After Miles Killebrew’s injury, Peppers served as the personal protector on the punt team. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 17 Feb. 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