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.

“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

To protect worshippers from the extreme heat, authorities rely on one of the most powerful air conditioning systems in the world to cool the Grand Mosque's courtyards, according to Saudi state television.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

The role was launched to protect the river from pollution by giving it a legal, ecological voice in management decisions.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages, alleging that GKN Aerospace did not protect the community from the crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 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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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

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