protect

pro·tect /prəˈtɛkt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[pruh-tekt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–verb (used with object)

1.	to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.

2.	Economics. to guard (the industry or an industry of a nation) from foreign competition by imposing import duties.

3.	to provide funds for the payment of (a draft, note, etc.).

–verb (used without object)

4.	to provide, or be capable of providing, protection: a floor wax that protects as well as shines.

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[Origin: 1520–30; <>prōtéctus, ptp. of prōtegere to cover in front, equiv. to prō- pro-¹ + teg-, s. of tegere to cover (akin to toga, thatch) + -tus ptp. suffix]