protected; protecting; protects
1
a
: to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction : guard
b
: defend sense 1c
protect the goal
2
: to maintain the status or integrity of especially through financial or legal guarantees: such as
a
: to save from contingent financial loss
b
: to foster or shield from infringement or restriction
salesmen with protected territories
protect one's rights
specifically
: to restrict competition for (something, such as a domestic industry) by means of tariffs or trade controls
3
: defend sense 5
protect a lead
: to provide a guard or shield
protects against tooth decay
protectively
adverb
protectiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of protect in a Sentence
He had no raincoat to protect himself from the rain.
She keeps her jewelry protected in a safe.
You have to protect your business against fraud.
New laws have been passed to protect your privacy.
The forest is protected by federal law.
The high taxes on imported goods are intended to protect domestic producers.
Sunscreen helps to protect against sunburn.
The insurance protects you against flooding.
The insurance does not protect against damage caused by earthquakes.
Recent Examples on the Web
At the time, PEOPLE confirmed French Gates had delivered funding to various groups that work to protect and strengthen women’s rights, including the National Women’s Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.
—
Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024
Teela is a warrior who is responsible for protecting Eternia’s royal family and may or may not become Prince Adam’s romantic interest.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 15 Aug. 2024
The plan for the dams is a historic one for the area, which has a long history of pioneering conservation work aimed at protecting its unique landscape.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2024
Yet, candidates must also recognize that diverse suburbanites seek policies to shore up their communities — to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods, protect and promote homeownership, help maintain a decent standard of living, and ensure civil rights.
—Becky Nicolaides / Made By History, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for protect 
Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024
Teela is a warrior who is responsible for protecting Eternia’s royal family and may or may not become Prince Adam’s romantic interest.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 15 Aug. 2024
The plan for the dams is a historic one for the area, which has a long history of pioneering conservation work aimed at protecting its unique landscape.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2024
Yet, candidates must also recognize that diverse suburbanites seek policies to shore up their communities — to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods, protect and promote homeownership, help maintain a decent standard of living, and ensure civil rights.
—Becky Nicolaides / Made By History, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for protect
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near protect
Cite this Entry
“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protect. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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