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

The first dogs served as early-warning systems, protectors, and hunting buddies. —Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 10 June 2026

After an extended and purposely disorienting opening that takes its sweet time to develop, Margaret and Daniel dodge suited agents working for a secret government protector outfit called WARDEX. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

On special teams, Caleb Downs was working as the personal protector on punt team. —Nick Harris june 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026

Pashinyan also repeatedly sought to soothe those fearful of severing ties with Russia, Armenia’s historical protector. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 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