protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce protector (audio)
Synonyms of protectornext
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 noun

Examples of protector in a Sentence

She sees her older brother as her protector. a protector of free speech
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The box includes a charger, case, and screen protector to sweeten the deal. New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026 Little violence has been able to dislodge Iran as – to some Shia – a sponsor or protector of sorts. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 Accordingly, it's better represented in your portfolio as an income protector when other assets look shaky. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 Hudson has graded out as a poor pass protector at Pro Football Focus for most of his career. Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protector

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of protector was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protector. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

protector

noun
pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce protector (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on protector

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster