protect

[ pruh-tekt ]
/ prəˈtɛkt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR protect ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.
Economics. to guard (the industry or an industry of a nation) from foreign competition by imposing import duties.
to provide funds for the payment of (a draft, note, etc.).

verb (used without object)

to provide, or be capable of providing, protection: a floor wax that protects as well as shines.

Origin of protect

1520–30; < Latin prōtēctus, past participle of prōtegere to cover in front, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + teg-, stem of tegere to cover (akin to toga, thatch) + -tus past participle suffix

synonym study for protect

1. See defend.

OTHER WORDS FROM protect

Words nearby protect

protean, proteas, protease, protease inhibitor, protease inhibitors, protect, protectant, protected sex, protectee, protecter, protecting

Words related to overprotect

fondle, pet, cosset, overindulge, dandle, caress, spoil, indulge, baby, coddle

British Dictionary definitions for overprotect (1 of 2)

overprotect
/ (ˌəʊvəprəˈtɛkt) /

verb

(tr) to protect more than necessary, esp to shield a child excessively so as to inhibit its development

Derived forms of overprotect

overprotective, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for overprotect (2 of 2)

protect
/ (prəˈtɛkt) /

verb (tr)

to defend from trouble, harm, attack, etc
economics to assist (domestic industries) by the imposition of protective tariffs on imports
commerce to provide funds in advance to guarantee payment of (a note, draft, etc)

Word Origin for protect

C16: from Latin prōtegere to cover before, from pro- 1 + tegere to cover