protected; protecting; protects
1
a
: to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction : guard
b
: defend sense 1c
protect the goal
2
: to maintain the status or integrity of especially through financial or legal guarantees: such as
a
: to save from contingent financial loss
b
: to foster or shield from infringement or restriction
salesmen with protected territories
protect one's rights
specifically
: to restrict competition for (something, such as a domestic industry) by means of tariffs or trade controls
3
: defend sense 5
protect a lead
: to provide a guard or shield
protects against tooth decay
protectively
adverb
protectiveness
noun
Examples of protect in a Sentence
He had no raincoat to protect himself from the rain.
She keeps her jewelry protected in a safe.
You have to protect your business against fraud.
New laws have been passed to protect your privacy.
The forest is protected by federal law.
The high taxes on imported goods are intended to protect domestic producers.
Sunscreen helps to protect against sunburn.
The insurance protects you against flooding.
The insurance does not protect against damage caused by earthquakes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Arsenal must protect themselves against a similar outcome next season — and the transfer market provides their best opportunity to do that.
—
James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Those that rely too heavily on coercion risk losing legitimacy, but excessive reliance on consent without the backing of power can undermine the hegemon’s ability to enforce rules and protect core interests.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Californians should urge Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to protect this vital lifeline.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
While these fears may be well-founded, our response should not be to reject crypto altogether, but rather embrace thoughtful policies to mitigate risks, protect consumers, and promote transparency.
—Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for protect
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Those that rely too heavily on coercion risk losing legitimacy, but excessive reliance on consent without the backing of power can undermine the hegemon’s ability to enforce rules and protect core interests.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Californians should urge Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to protect this vital lifeline.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
While these fears may be well-founded, our response should not be to reject crypto altogether, but rather embrace thoughtful policies to mitigate risks, protect consumers, and promote transparency.
—Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for protect
Cite this Entry
“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protect. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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