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

• custodian
• defender
• guard
• guardian
• guardian angel
• protection

Examples of protector in a Sentence

She sees her older brother as her protector.

a protector of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Hampton is a true three-down running back who can execute in either a zone or gap scheme, inside or outside, as a receiver and a pass protector. —Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

As a pass protector, Banks shows some inconsistency with his technique. —Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025

The model of government being the primary protector of national security has been effective for centuries. —Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

There’s plenty of time for weapons later, but here’s a blindside protector for Maye. 5. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 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