Definition of protect

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< protease inhibitor

protectant >

pro·tect    (pr-tkt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pro·tect·ed, pro·tect·ing, pro·tects

1. To keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. See Synonyms at defend.
2. To help (domestic industry) with tariffs or quotas on imported goods.
3. To assure payment of (drafts or notes, for example) by setting aside funds.

IDIOMS:
protect the lead

Sports To play conservatively when leading in order to prevent the opposition from getting good scoring chances.

protect the plate

Baseball To swing at any pitch that comes near the plate in order to avoid being called out on strikes.

protect the runner

Baseball To swing at a pitch so as to give a runner attempting to steal or moving on a hit-and-run play a better chance of success.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English protecten, from Latin prtegere, prtct- : pr-, in front ; see pro-¹ + tegere, to cover; see (s)teg- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
pro·tecting·ly(Adverb)