as in defends
to drive danger or attack away from
the mother bear was just trying to protect her cubs
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Recent Examples of protects
City Council Speaker Julie Menin deserves credit for advancing legislation that protects synagogues, churches, mosques and other places of worship by deploying safety perimeters keeping protesters at a distance.
—
Elliot Cosgrove, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Pro hairstylist Ryan Richman previously described this Briogeo cream as a lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
The First Amendment protects speech.
—Kris Fair, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Today, in the 2050s, quantum networks send information that protects our banks, power grids and personal identities.
—David Awschalom, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
If that wasn’t enough convincing for you, this mist also protects hair against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and soothes your scalp with Lactobacillus ferment.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Acadia also protects over 47,000 acres of land that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, whose population the park helped restore.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
But when the integrity of federal elections is at stake, a baseline national standard protects rather than infringes upon democracy.
—Baltimore Sun, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
The anti-poacher, who ran a private security firm that protects rhinos from poachers, was on patrol when the incident occurred.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Elliot Cosgrove, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Pro hairstylist Ryan Richman previously described this Briogeo cream as a lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
The First Amendment protects speech.
—Kris Fair, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Today, in the 2050s, quantum networks send information that protects our banks, power grids and personal identities.
—David Awschalom, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
If that wasn’t enough convincing for you, this mist also protects hair against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and soothes your scalp with Lactobacillus ferment.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Acadia also protects over 47,000 acres of land that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, whose population the park helped restore.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
But when the integrity of federal elections is at stake, a baseline national standard protects rather than infringes upon democracy.
—Baltimore Sun, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
The anti-poacher, who ran a private security firm that protects rhinos from poachers, was on patrol when the incident occurred.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protects
Verb
-
Founded in 1922, PEN America is a writers’ and free-expression advocacy group that defends the rights of authors and opposes censorship.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The Economist defends its policy of not using bylines as tradition, citing the fact many of their articles are the product of collaborations between writers and taking the Ochsian view that what is written is more important than who writes it.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp or lightweight shelter that shields you from the elements can help if severe weather occurs or your plan takes a turn.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If these safeguards advance, why is the emphasis not on reforming underlying financing practices—including deferred interest and retroactive interest models—rather than further burdening providers who are attempting to offer patients a lawful payment pathway when traditional coverage fails them?—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
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Such an education feeds their curiosity, safeguards their intellectual humility, and develops their capacity for empathy.—
Steven F. Wilson,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Washington might consider restoring the Fulbright Program, and work on better coordination between the US State Department, which issues visas, and Homeland Security, which guards entry points.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The water-resistant outer material guards your essentials against splashes, while elastic straps and multiple pockets help keep your bottles upright.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protects. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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