protect

Definition

To keep safe; to defend; to guard; to prevent harm coming to.

Etymology

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”).

Example Sentences

• "to protect a child from danger"
• "This antivirus package will protect your computer from hackers."
• "Condoms are designed to protect against sexually-transmitted diseases."