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

That was their older brother, their protector. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 15 May 2026

His nanny was his fierce protector and insulated him from the depredations of Nazis and their enablers, baptizing him and teaching him to handily hurl anti-Jewish epithets to fit in. —Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026

Thanks to their historic ability to maintain value and even rise in price when market conditions deteriorate, both metals are considered worthwhile for those looking for a portfolio protector. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 May 2026

At his best, Quaintance is a twitchy, 6-10 rim protector. —The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 11 May 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