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.

Most international frameworks governing wildlife trade, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, were designed primarily to protect species from overexploitation, according to Gore.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

This concept offers a fresh way to protect, control, and share quantum information, potentially bringing scientists closer to building large-scale quantum computers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

"We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation," a UK government spokesperson said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

He said there was a "moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war".

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect your friends. I’m sorry I couldn’t save Winston and Philomena and the rest of them,” I started out.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

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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