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.

Filipino ferry dispatcher Dave Delos Reyes has been handing out N95 masks for nearly three weeks to protect passengers against the smoke that a landfill fire has sent billowing above a stretch of Manila Bay.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The Bureau of Land Management was ordered to close down popular off-roading trails in parts of the Mojave in order to protect the imperiled desert tortoise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Social Security was created in 1935 as a safety net to protect Americans from the hardships of unemployment, in addition to old age and disability.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Since the incident - the latest in a string of attacks - the government has faced calls to better protect British Jews and tackle antisemitism.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

“This one has a case strong enough to protect it from shark attacks. Allegedly.”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

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