v.
Pronunciation: pr ə - ' tekt
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin protectus, past participle of protegere, from pro- in front + tegere to cover ― more at PRO- , THATCH
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 a : to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction : GUARD b : DEFEND 1C < protect the goal>
2 : to maintain the status or integrity of especially through financial or legal guarantees: as a : to save from contingent financial loss b : to foster or shield from infringement or restriction <salesmen with protect ed territories> < protect one's rights> specifically : to restrict competition for (as domestic industries) by means of tariffs or trade controls
3 : DEFEND 5 < protect a lead>
intransitive verb : to provide a guard or shield < protect s against tooth decay>
synonyms see DEFEND
– pro · tect · able \ - ' tek-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– pro · tec · tive \ - ' tek-tiv \ adjective
– pro · tec · tive · ly adverb
– pro · tec · tive · ness noun