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.

She says: "What they absolutely and must do is make sure that nobody suffers from any situations in their restaurant, eatery or cafe, they are legally obliged to protect the customers."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Sri Lanka had allowed the Iranian vessel to dock at a north-eastern port on 5 March after hours of discussion, with its president saying they would "never hesitate to protect humanity".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

But operators for now are likely to slow the pace of new openings, focus on value offerings to protect traffic, and control costs to preserve margins, Barish says.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Ultimately, laws exist not only to protect freedom, but to preserve the conditions that make freedom meaningful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

I was afraid they would ask me, “Why didn’t you help us, Ida B? Why didn’t you protect us?”

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

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