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.

Local residents were “circling the school, trying to protect the students. It is like I am doing emotional triage on some type of battlefield, right here in my own city,” she explained.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The orange suits protect the crewmembers during launch and reentry, but are also available for emergency use -- they can provide up to six days of breathable air.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

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

"Conservation of these animals is so important to protect them for the future."

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

We had to learn if we wanted to protect the future.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

protect

Example Sentences

Related Words