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

Rivers is a dependable pass protector and rusher and is a key special teams player. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

As silly as White and Enes Kanter Freedom look during their cosplay as protectors of women’s sports, the league still had to acknowledge their foolishness and respond that neither man is eligible for the WNBA draft. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

For the longest time, as an ambassador and protector of American motorsports and one of the most talented drivers to ever sit in a stock car, Denny Hamlin didn’t believe in luck. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

Additionally, external protectors can be retrofitted onto individual chain links. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 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