verb

protect

pruh-TEHKT

verb

To keep someone or something safe from harm or damage.

"A helmet helps protect your head while cycling."

"Parents naturally want to protect their children from danger."

How to Use Protect

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo keep something or someone from being hurt, damaged, or lost.

Common pairings

protect against protect from harm protect the environment

Word Forms

protected past tense, protect plural, protected plural, protects singular, protect singular, protected singular, protectest singular, protectedst singular, protecteth singular

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Can you complete this real example?

A helmet helps _____ your head while cycling.

Etymology

From Latin prōtēctus, past participle of prōtegere, "to cover in front" — from prō- ("in front of") plus tegere ("to cover.")

Synonyms

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shield beshield

Related Words

bathroom outhouse shield defend defense

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