protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce protector (audio)
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.
That’s because estrogen is a multi-system protector. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Oct. 2025 Ray Dalio urged investors to allocate around 15% of their portfolios to gold, calling it a strong hedge against credit-dependent assets and a key protector of real returns. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 While telling Zoe an old anecdote about Marie splitting her Halloween candy — Annabeth was too shy to trick-or-treat — Annabeth seems to remember the kind protector Marie once was. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025 Gone is the insurance of daunting rim protectors like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Protector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protector. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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