Definitions

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.

Poly households who end up hiring lawyers are most often throuples or foursomes seeking to protect jointly held assets, parent children in common and ensure they can care for one another in life-or-death crises.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

I have sat across from women who were deeply afraid, and I have watched as their fears were minimized, explained away, or ignored by the very systems meant to protect them.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

One might expect that hiring an attorney will protect you from all this.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Within the army there are eight divisions deployed across the country, plus the Presidential Guard to protect Aso Rock.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“We saved the Academy, but more importantly, we saved a lot of lives tonight. And”—he shrugged again—“that’s what we became Glitchers for—to protect the future. So it’s okay if they arrest us. It’s worth it.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing protect

Motherlode: A Mother's Day Lexicon

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Check It Out, Mate: Chess Vocabulary

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!