— protectible, protectable , adj. — protectibility, protectability , n.
/preuh tekt"/ , v.t.
1. to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
2. Econ. to guard (the industry or an industry of a nation) from foreign competition by imposing import duties.
3. to provide funds for the payment of (a draft, note, etc.).
v.i.
4. to provide, or be capable of providing, protection: a floor wax that protects as well as shines.
[ 1520-30; protectus, ptp. of protegere to cover in front, equiv. to pro- PRO- 1 + teg-, s. of tegere to cover (akin to TOGA, THATCH) + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1. screen, shelter. See defend .
Ant. 1. attack.