PROTECT Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'protect' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of protect are defend , guard , safeguard , and shield . While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure. // a hard hat to protect your head

Q: When is 'defend' a more appropriate choice than 'protect'?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack. // defend the country

Q: When is it sensible to use 'guard' instead of 'protect'?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger. // White House entrances are well guarded

Q: When can 'safeguard' be used instead of 'protect'?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger. // our civil liberties must be safeguarded

Q: When would 'shield' be a good substitute for 'protect'?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect , shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack. // shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

protect

verb

prə-ˈtekt

Definition of protect next

as in to defend

to drive danger or attack away from the mother bear was just trying to protect her cubs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word protect different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of protect are defend, guard, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

When is defend a more appropriate choice than protect?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of protect?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When can safeguard be used instead of protect?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When would shield be a good substitute for protect?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of protect Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. —

Karin Eldor, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025 Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul hasn't threatened legal action and has vowed to protect transgender people in the state. —

Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 Vegetables are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds that can help protect against chronic disease and certain types of cancer. —

Lindsey Desoto, Health, 11 Feb. 2025 In the meantime, guests can see the manatees at The Seas with Nemo and Friends and learn all about the species and how to help protect them. —

Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for protect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect

Verb

The visiting Catalans regularly strolled through the first line of pressure that night — with Vinicius Jr and Mbappe unconvincing in defending from the front in a 4-4-2 formation before Barca overloaded the midfield with their technical, creative players.

— Thom Harris, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Providence Academy is the defending champion, winning 74-60 over Albany in last year’s final.

— Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025