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

The Dodgers might want to add another give-away item to the 18 bobblehead dolls and various jerseys, sweatshirts and hats on this year’s promotional calendar: chest protector night, with free catcher’s gear for fans in the right-field pavilion. —Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

River and salmon protectors cheered and cried tears of joy as the coffer dams at Iron Gate and Copco I were broken open and the waters flowed down the river's ancient channel. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2024

Use a suede protector spray While not necessary, your future self might thank you for applying a suede protector before facing off with the next stain. —Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2024

To maximize the lifespan of your bed, use a mattress protector and only use your bed for its intended purpose (so no letting the kids jump on it). —Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 9 Aug. 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