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

Hudson has graded out as a poor pass protector at Pro Football Focus for most of his career. —Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026

Wembanyama, 22, is the top rim protector in the league at 7-foot-4. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois remain invaluable protectors of our architectural heritage. —Jennifer N. Pritzker, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Experts warn that the island’s economic contraction has pushed Cuba into its most perilous state since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, its former economic sponsor and political protector. —Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 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