protect Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    • Weatherbeater protects your roof from the rain
  2. verb use tariffs to favor domestic industry

WordNet

Pro*tect" transitive verb
Etymology
L. protectus, p. p. of protegere, literally, to cover in front; pro before + tegere to cover. See Tegument.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Protected; present participle & verbal noun Protecting
Definitions
  1. To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety; as, a father protects his children.
    The gods of Greece protect you! Shak.
    Syn. -- To guard; shield; preserve. See Defend.

Webster 1913