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.

Frustration has grown since then with some accusing the justice department of trying to protect powerful people and potential Epstein conspirators, a claim the department has denied.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The author Belle Burden recently published a buzzy memoir chronicling her own financial fallout from a divorce, where she said the prenup didn’t protect her interests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Researchers hope these findings will guide future strategies to protect brain health and help more people maintain sharp thinking well into old age.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

As those organizations fight back, they will be seeking to protect the integrity of mainstream sports, but they will also inadvertently be promoting the Enhanced Games.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

How my mom’s been looking at childproof locks for the front door to protect G from herself.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

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