PROTECT


Meaning of PROTECT in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ prə-ˈtekt ]

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 -ˈtek-tə-bəl adjective

• pro·tec·tive -ˈtek-tiv adjective

• pro·tec·tive·ly adverb

• pro·tec·tive·ness noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.