protect

play

verb pro·tect \prə-ˈtekt\

Definition of protect

transitive verb
1a : to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction : guardb : defend 1c protect the goal
2 : to maintain the status or integrity of especially through financial or legal guarantees: such asa : to save from contingent financial lossb : to foster or shield from infringement or restriction salesmen with protected territories protect one's rights; specifically : to restrict competition for (something, such as a domestic industry) 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

protectable

play \-ˈtek-tə-bəl\ adjective

protective

play \-ˈtek-tiv\ adjective

protectively

adverb

protectiveness

noun

See protect defined for English-language learners

See protect defined for kids

Examples of protect in a Sentence

He had no raincoat to protect himself from the rain.
She keeps her jewelry protected in a safe.
You have to protect your business against fraud.
New laws have been passed to protect your privacy.
The forest is protected by federal law.
The high taxes on imported goods are intended to protect domestic producers.
Sunscreen helps to protect against sunburn.
The insurance protects you against flooding.
The insurance does not protect against damage caused by earthquakes.

Recent Examples of protect from the Web

But zombie stories are about human beings doing relatable things: protecting your family, finding food, building shelter.

— erin blakemore, Longreads, "Our Zombies, Ourselves: An Undead Reading List," 20 July 2017
That doesn’t mean the strategies are guaranteed to protect brain health.

— judith graham, Kaiser Health News, "These Preventive Measures Might Help Delay Dementia Or Cognitive Decline," 20 July 2017
Hizbut’s legal status was revoked to protect national unity, said Freddy Haris, a director-general at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

— Washington Post, "Indonesia bans Hizbut group that seeks global caliphate," 19 July 2017
Paul Nettleton took the federal government to court 10 years ago and won, protecting ranchers’ water rights in a ruling the Idaho Farm Bureau said has helped ranchers across the West.

— zach kyle, idahostatesman, "Water-rights victory made this Idaho ranch owner a ‘rock star’," 18 July 2017
The swimming area was closed last week after a water quality test showed bacteria above the level set to protect swimmers, DEEP said.

— nicholas rondinone, courant.com, "Rocky Neck Reopens To Swimmers," 18 July 2017
But several speakers said the proposal isn't specific and doesn't spell out how people would qualify or are supposed to report circumstances that would protect their coverage.

— deborah yetter, The Courier-Journal, "Speakers call Bevin Medicaid overhaul 'cruel' and 'immoral' at public hearing," 17 July 2017
To keep detritus out, protect your shoes’ ankle openings with a good pair of gaiters.

— robbie gonzalez, WIRED, "All The Gear You Need For Trail Running," 14 July 2017
But what worked for the Trump family in business won't work in government; their entitlement can't protect them this time around.

— jessica valenti, Marie Claire, "Dear Trump Family, You Are Not Victims," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'protect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of protect

Middle English, from Latin protectus, past participle of protegere, from pro- in front + tegere to cover — more at pro-, thatch

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of protect

defend, protect, shield, guard, safeguard mean to keep secure from danger or against attack. defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack. defend the country protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure. a hard hat to protect your head shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack. shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger. White House entrances are well guarded safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger. our civil liberties must be safeguarded

PROTECT Defined for English Language Learners

protect

play

verb

Definition of protect for English Language Learners

: to keep (someone or something) from being harmed, lost, etc.
: to save (someone) from financial loss caused by fire, injury, damage, etc.
sports : to try to stop opponents from scoring at (your goal)

PROTECT Defined for Kids

protect

play

verb pro·tect \prə-ˈtekt\

Definition of protect for Students

protected

;

protecting

: keep from being harmed especially by covering or shielding : guard

Law Dictionary

protect

transitive verb pro·tect

Legal Definition of protect

1 : to shield from injury or harm protecting public health and safety
2 : to secure or preserve against encroachment, infringement, restriction, or violation : maintain the status or integrity of especially through legal or constitutional guarantees protect a work against copyright infringement the First Amendment protects speech
3 : to restrict competition for (as domestic industries) by means of tariffs or trade controls