protects;
protected;
protecting
protects;
protected;
protecting
Britannica Dictionary definition of PROTECT
1
:
to keep (someone or something) from being harmed, lost, etc.
[+ object]
-
He had no raincoat to protect himself from the rain.
-
She keeps her jewelry protected in a safe.
-
You have to protect your business against fraud.
-
New laws have been passed to protect your privacy.
-
The forest is protected by/under federal law.
-
The high taxes on imported goods are intended to protect domestic producers.
[no object]
2
:
to save (someone) from financial loss caused by fire, injury, damage, etc.
—
usually + against
[+ object]
[no object]
3
[+ object]
sports
:
to try to stop opponents from scoring at (your goal)
— protected
adjective,
always used before a noun
[more protected; most protected]