D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Protect

/prət-ĕkt'/ · Pro·tect · IPA /pɹəˈtɛkt/
01 v. t. To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety; as, a father protects his children.
imp. & p. p. Protected; p. pr. & vb. n. Protecting
  1. 1.
    To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety; as, a father protects his children.
    “The gods of Greece protect you!” Shak.
Syn. To guard; shield; preserve. See Defend.