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.

She added the duty cut "will provide practical support and greater certainty, helping to protect livelihoods and enabling producers to continue contributing to the Island's economy".

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Yet even as more of these cases stacked up, there was no coordination between states to protect women.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

The fences are to protect capybaras from humans and their unleashed dogs, who will often smell a capybara and attack.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Without understanding how many species actually exist, scientists cannot accurately assess threats or create effective plans to protect them.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

She had moved closer to Anat, and Boaz realized she was trying to protect her from him.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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