ENGLISH
REFERENCE

protect

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //pɹəˈtɛkt// UK //pɹətˈɛkt// pro·tect General-service

v. to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or bad weather.

v. to keep safe from harm or injury; to guard against damage or loss. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

You should wear a helmet to protect your head.

CONTEXTUAL

Aviation safety rules protect passengers by requiring strict maintenance checks on every aircraft before takeoff.

COMPLEX

The new international treaty aims to protect endangered habitats by strictly limiting industrial development in sensitive coastal regions.

Origin

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”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes the preposition 'from' or 'against' to specify the threat.

Pitfall

protect of the rainprotect from the rainProtect is used with 'from' or 'against', not 'of'.

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