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.

He added that this decision to release more material would also "protect our hardworking officers".

From BBC • May 25, 2026

"I can't adapt," she added while adjusting her sunglasses to protect her eyes from the harsh glare of the sun.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Special corrugated boxes have been developed to protect the fruit and help keep them cool.

From BBC • May 25, 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

I think what he is saying is that he’s wanting to protect the rights of every one of us, slave and nonslave alike, to the pursuit of happiness.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

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