shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
"Weatherbeater protects your roof from the rain"
use tariffs to favor domestic industry
"The new administration plans to protect our steel mills by imposing high tariffs on imported metal."
To keep safe; to defend; to guard; to prevent harm coming to.
"The mother bear stood between her cubs and the approaching wolves to protect them from any attack."
In plain English: To protect means to keep something safe from harm or danger.
"She put on a coat to protect herself from the cold wind."
Usage: Use protect to describe actively shielding someone or something from danger or harm. Ensure the object being safeguarded is clearly stated, such as "protect your data" or "protect the child."
The word "protect" entered English around 1530 from the Latin prōtegere, which originally meant to cover or defend by placing something in front. It replaced the native Middle English term shelden, derived from Old English for literally shielding someone.