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

László Moholy-Nagy hovers low over a gaggle of pigeons, suspending the viewer uneasily between protector and predator. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 26 June 2026

Krypto is one of the protectors of the universe, like Sagittarius, which is why the Superdog is one of the most interesting stars of the movie. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

The 6-11, 237-pound senior center from Virginia could be worth a flier as an elite rim protector with a nearly 7-5 wingspan. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

Combine all that with the ability to be an effective rim protector and Steinbach would appear to be a solid fit. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 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