Word
protect
Phoneticspro·tect, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈtɛkt/
UK/pɹətˈɛkt/
Definitions
01to keep safe
A2 · Elementary
v. to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or danger.
v. to shield from injury, damage, or loss. Transitive — requires a direct object, often followed by the preposition 'from' or 'against'.
“You should wear a hat to protect your skin from the hot sun.”
“The new environmental legislation was designed to protect endangered species from the encroaching urban development in the northern provinces.”
Pitfall
The law protects people for crime.
The law protects people from crime.
Use the preposition 'from' or 'against' after protect, not 'for'.
02aviation/travel
C1 · Advanced Technical
v. to book a passenger on a backup flight in case they miss their first one.
v. to secure a seat for a passenger on an alternative flight as a contingency against a missed connection or cancellation.
“The airline protected us on the 6:00 PM flight after our first plane was delayed.”
“The gate agent managed to protect the stranded passengers on the following morning's departure, ensuring they had confirmed seats despite the high season.”
Usage
Usually takes a direct object (the passenger) and the preposition 'on' (the flight).
Teaching tip
This is industry-specific jargon used by airline staff; a general traveler would usually say 'rebooked' or 'put on another flight'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “protect” in context.
Etymology
Attested in English since 1530, from Latin prōtēctus (“covered, protected”), past participle of prōtegere (“to cover the front, protect”) from prō, prō- (“before, in front of”) + tegere (“to cover”), see tegument. Displaced native Middle English shelden, from Old English sċildan (“to protect,” literally “to shield”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
In Music
Cover: CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons — FazPhotography.
Protect Ya Neck · 1992 · Hardcore hip-hop
- Artist:
- Wu-Tang Clan
- Album:
- Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan's 1992 debut single from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was produced by RZA and features eight of the group's nine members. Its title uses protect in the everyday sense of keeping yourself safe from harm.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/protect