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.

Australia in December banned under 16s from a raft of popular social media platforms, launching a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and "predatory algorithms".

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The Bureau of Land Management was ordered to close down popular off-roading trails in parts of the Mojave in order to protect the imperiled desert tortoise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Social Security was created in 1935 as a safety net to protect Americans from the hardships of unemployment, in addition to old age and disability.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

"I want to reassure all Londoners and visitors that we are doing everything possible to protect our city and keep all of our communities safe," he sadi.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

“Do you see it now, Lexie? Because you can’t protect yourself from something you can’t see.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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!