Protect: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：keep safe from harm (protect)

protect 🔊

/prəˈtɛkt/

To keep someone or something safe from harm, danger, or loss.

Parent applying sunscreen on child's cheeks to protect from sun

keep safe from harm 🔊

➕

/kiːp seɪf frʌm hɑːrm/

To ensure the safety or well-being of someone or something by preventing damage, injury, or loss.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'pro-' (in front) + 'tegere' (to cover), meaning to cover or shield.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a PROfessional bodyguard using a TECTonic shield to keep you safe.

📖 Example

Many organizations are working to protect the tropical rainforests from destruction. 🔊 Many organizations are working to protect the tropical rainforests from destruction.

🔗 Collocations

protect from – to keep someone or something safe from a danger or threat

protect against – to provide defense or security in opposition to a specific risk

protect oneself – to take precautions to ensure one's own safety

🔄 Synonyms

defend (v.) – to protect from attack or harm

guard (v.) – to watch over and protect

shield (v.) – to protect from danger or injury

🚫 Antonyms

attack (v.) – to act against someone or something aggressively

endanger (v.) – to put someone or something in danger

harm (v.) – to cause physical or emotional damage

🌱 Derivatives

protection (n.) – the act of keeping someone or something safe

protective (adj.) – intended to keep someone or something safe

protector (n.) – a person or thing that protects

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'protegere' (pro- 'in front' + tegere 'to cover'), originally used in Roman military context for shields.