Definitions

protect

[pruh-tekt] / prəˈtɛkt /

VERB

take care of; guard from harm

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assure care for conserve cover cushion defend insulate keep look after preserve safeguard save secure shelter shield support

STRONG

bulwark champion chaperon fend foster harbor hedge screen shade stonewall watch

WEAK

cover all bases cover up give refuge give sanctuary go to bat for keep safe ride shotgun for sentinel shotgun stand guard take under wing watch over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon destroy endanger give up harm hurt ignore injure lay bare let go neglect release squander uncover waste

STRONG

open

WEAK

attack

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We’re in here because you want to protect your voice?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

I have sat across from women who were deeply afraid, and I have watched as their fears were minimized, explained away, or ignored by the very systems meant to protect them.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

One might expect that hiring an attorney will protect you from all this.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

"We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us," he wrote.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Squinting to protect his eyes from more dirt, he found a higher spot for Abby’s feet and then hoisted himself up another notch.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

Vocabulary lists containing protect

Motherlode: A Mother's Day Lexicon

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Check It Out, Mate: Chess Vocabulary

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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

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