protect

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To keep someone or something safe from harm or danger.

   A good coat will protect you from the rain.

2. 2
   verb

   To use tariffs or rules to help a country's own industries against foreign competition.

   The government raised taxes on imports to protect local farmers.

Common collocations

• protect the planet Verb + noun
• protect animals Verb + noun
• protect health Verb + noun

Attested in English since 1530, from Latin prōtēctus (“covered, protected”), past participle of prōtegere (“to cover the front, protect”) from prō, prō- (“before, in front of”) + tegere (“to cover”), see tegument. Displaced native Middle English shelden, from Old English sċildan (“to protect,” literally “to shield”).

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