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.

In September, the EU announced a trade deal with Indonesia that required the Southeast Asian nation to protect over 200 food products.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

A new type of artificial saliva, delivered as a mouthwash and made using a lab-modified sugarcane protein called CANECPI-5, could help protect the teeth of patients with head and neck cancer.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Executives with the nonprofit groups that run the Inside Safe facilities said the restrictions are needed to protect residents, keeping them on track to find permanent housing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The team found that oligodendrocytes, which normally protect nerve fibers, can change their behavior and begin supporting tumor growth.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Llamas apparently scare coyotes and are used on sheep farms to protect the flocks.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

protect

Example Sentences

Related Words