protect
//pɹəˈtɛkt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- protect
- past (v2)
- protected
- past participle (v3)
- protected
- present participle
- protecting
- 3rd person singular
- protects
Definitions
1.To keep safe; to defend; to guard; to prevent harm coming to.
- This antivirus package will protect your computer from hackers.
- Condoms are designed to protect against sexually-transmitted diseases.
2.To book a passenger on a later flight if there is a chance they will not be able to board their earlier reserved flight.
- She tried to protect her kids.
- Don't worry, I will protect her.
- We need to protect Tom.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #769
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Word family
Etymology
Attested in English since 1530, from Latin prōtēctus (“covered, protected”), past participle of prōtegō, prōtegere (“to cover the front, protect”) from prō, prō- (“before, in front of”) + tegō, tegere (“to cover”), see tegument.