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

• 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

The Kryptonian — who grew up as Clark Kent on a farm in Smallville, Kan. — always believed a message left to him by these birth parents was an encouragement to use his powers to be a protector and hero. —Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025

His Superman exudes that same affection, casting David Corenswet as a nice guy still trying to figure out the job of being the world’s protector. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025

Forrest Tab Grant, 62, remembered by kids Grant's family described him as a kind and compassionate man who was a protector by nature. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

He’s been a credible rim protector throughout his career and is more switchable/agile on the perimeter defensively than he’s been given credit for. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 2 July 2025

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