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

Frankel plays Ian, the older brother and protector of Emilia Jones’ lead character, Gabby Clemente. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

Chief among Zoe’s longtime protectors are her rancher husband, William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), Billy and Kerry. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2026

Mahomes’ blind side protector, Josh Simmons, may not play, which would leave rookie Kahlil Benson against one of the league’s best rush units, creating a lot of short fields for Bo Nix. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

But when the Orcs come sniffing, those same qualities transform him from fun-loving hobbit to fierce protector. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 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