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.

• "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."