protects; protected; protecting
1
: to keep (someone or something) from being harmed, lost, etc.
He had no raincoat to protect himself from the rain.
She keeps her jewelry protected in a safe.
You have to protect your business against fraud.
New laws have been passed to protect your privacy.
The forest is protected by/under federal law.
The high taxes on imported goods are intended to protect domestic producers.
Sunscreen helps to protect against sunburn.
2
: to save (someone) from financial loss caused by fire, injury, damage, etc.
—usually + against
The insurance protects you against flooding.
The insurance does not protect against damage caused by earthquakes.
3
sports
: to try to stop opponents from scoring at (your goal)
The goalie slipped and fell, but the defenseman was there to protect [=defend] the goal.
Cite this Entry
“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/protect. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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