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Definition of "protect" []

  • To keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. See Synonyms at defend. (verb-transitive)
  • To help (domestic industry) with tariffs or quotas on imported goods. (verb-transitive)
  • To assure payment of (drafts or notes, for example) by setting aside funds. (verb-transitive)
  • Sports To attempt to hold (a lead) by playing careful defense and avoiding risky plays. (verb-transitive)
  • Baseball To swing at a pitch near (home plate) in order to avoid being called out on strikes. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "protect" in a sentence
  • "I say "it is all about protecting the book" ..protect the books = protect the people"
  • "Executives under Ms. Robinson used the phrase "protect and grow" to describe their approach, often to the irritation of digital-side employees who have said the emphasis on protecting the Times too often stunted growth elsewhere."
  • "The only way to protect is to plan in advance; using super redundant and resilient systems."