protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər 

1

a

: one that protects : guardian

b

: a device used to prevent injury : guard

2

a

: one having the care of a kingdom during the king's minority : regent

b

: the executive head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659

called also Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

protectorship

prə-ˈtek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

• custodian
• defender
• guard
• guardian
• guardian angel
• protection

Examples of protector in a Sentence

She sees her older brother as her protector.

a protector of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Though Trump’s China tariffs are a big concern, Asia is equally focused on what a second Trump presidency might mean for the Federal Reserve, the protector of the reserve currency. —William Pesek, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Ending Thursday, Cocoon by Sealy's current sale features 35% off all mattresses, plus a free Sealy Sleep Bundle, which includes pillows, a sheet set and a protector. —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024

And while no one has—or should expect to—have insight on the reasons for their separation, Kravitz has always been accompanied by protectors of a different kind: sloping jackets, outsized shirts, voluminous trousers and expansive handbags purchased from The Row. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024

So sturdy is the reputation of husbands as protectors of wives and families that these men can claim they were fooled into raping Gisèle Pelicot, who has been at court observing their testimony during much of the proceedings and has testified. —Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing protector

• surge protector

Kids Definition

protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər 

1

: a person or thing that protects or is intended to protect

2

: a person who takes charge of a kingdom while the king or queen is too young to rule : regent