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.

"I didn't know what I can do to protect my children."

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Millions of people in the United States use a VPN to protect themselves from unwanted surveillance and hackers seeking access to their personal data.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

“It looks like plover habitat was minimally impacted, which is great news,” Travaglio said, pointing to the island’s eastern point, where beaches are closed during the spring and summer to protect the birds’ nesting area.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Because exercise and ibuprofen reduce inflammation through different biological pathways, researchers wanted to determine whether either approach, or a combination of both, could help protect cognitive function during chemotherapy.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

What if he hadn’t been there to protect her?

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Vocabulary lists containing protect

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Check It Out, Mate: Chess Vocabulary

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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC

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