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

Perry says her mother was also a fierce, if deeply flawed, protector, who was forced to become the sole provider as Perry’s father squandered his earnings. —Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

In his most high-profile dispute, Valdez hit his own catcher, César Salazar, in the chest protector after a cross-up that some viewed as intentional. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 6 May 2026

Contemporary practices The tremendous power of women as peace advocates and protectors of communities continues today. —Marie-Claire Beaulieu, The Conversation, 5 May 2026

The Blue Jays added one of the best rim protectors in the Big East in former Providence center Oswin Erhunmwunse, as well as guards Wes Enis from USF, BJ Davis from San Diego State and Kayden Edwards from TCU. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 2 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