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

Invented for the film is Sergio (Benicio Del Toro), Willa’s karate teacher, who is the protector of undocumented migrants in Baktan Cross seeking protection from fascistic immigration forces, one of which is led by Lockjaw. —Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Sep. 2025

His ability to subdue Riley and his insistence on being Laura’s protector, despite not knowing much about her past, is also curious. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

Every mattress, whether an heirloom or fresh out of the box, needs a quality mattress protector. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Another protective measure for your bedscape is a mattress protector, which preserves the state of your mattress from any unwanted spills or stains. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 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