protect
Formsprotects, protecting, protected
- 1To keep someone or something safe from harm or danger.
Like a hard shell around a turtle that keeps it safe.
Parents protect their children from danger.
She wore gloves to protect her hands.
UsageSay protect someone from something, or protect against something: gloves protect your hands from the cold.
Similardefend, guard, shield, safeguard, shelter
Oppositeendanger, expose, attack
Note
- 2To help a country's own businesses by making goods from other countries cost more or come in less.
The country put a tax on foreign cars to protect its own car makers.
Some leaders want to protect local farms by letting in less food from other countries.
Note
Less common meaning
- 3To book a traveler on a later flight in case they miss their earlier one.
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Latin prōtegere, meaning "to cover the front" or "protect," from prō ("before, in front of") and tegere ("to cover").
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 5 facts
- Protect comes from Latin prōtegere, through its past participle prōtēctus. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin prōtegere means “to cover the front” or “protect.” en.wiktionary.org
- Latin prōtegere combines prō- and tegere. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin prō means “before, in front of.” en.wiktionary.org
- Latin tegere means “to cover.” en.wiktionary.org