ENGLISH
REFERENCE

protect

v.
US //pɹəˈtɛkt// UK //pɹətˈɛkt// pro·tect
  1. 1 to keep safe (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or danger.

    to shield from injury, damage, or loss. Transitive — requires a direct object, often followed by the preposition 'from' or 'against'.

    Example

    You should wear a hat to protect your skin from the hot sun.

    Example

    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'.

  2. 2 aviation/travel (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    to book a passenger on a backup flight in case they miss their first one.

    to secure a seat for a passenger on an alternative flight as a contingency against a missed connection or cancellation.

    Example

    The airline protected us on the 6:00 PM flight after our first plane was delayed.

    Example

    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).

    Teacher's tip

    This is industry-specific jargon used by airline staff; a general traveler would usually say 'rebooked' or 'put on another flight'.
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”).

Word family

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