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

Examples 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 The best eyebrow growth serums focus on key ingredients that protect existing brow hairs and stimulate new hair follicles. —

Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024 With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. —

Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024 This dress has a similar bubble hem and midi silhouette to keep your legs protected from the cold. —

Nicol Natale, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 Now, the Bureau of Prisons has agreed to enter a consent decree to protect the rights of nearly 500 class members who remain incarcerated in more than a dozen federal prisons. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect

Verb

After that, the Rangers have seven consecutive games against teams currently in playoff position, including the top three teams in the Eastern Conference in the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes, plus another against the defending champion Florida Panthers.

Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Despite so much going on in his life, Anthony’s zeal for defending the rights of insurance policyholders remains as strong as ever.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024