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.

"US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," Tim Hawkins, a US Central Command spokesman, said in a statement.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

“And you’ll see decreases in competition, choice and quality. That’s what antitrust law is supposed to protect against.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

He added that this decision to release more material would also "protect our hardworking officers".

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Gilruth said the government would work "to protect services and protect frontline workers" while looking at public sector reform.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

She was to retrieve and protect sensitive documents per standard protocol.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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