Pro-tĕct', v. t.

[imp. & p. p. PROTECTED; p. pr. & vb. n. PROTECTING.] [Lat. protegere, protectum, from pro, before, and tegere, to cover; It. proteggere, Sp. proteger, Fr. protéger.] To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety.

The gods of Greece protect you. Shak.

Synonyms—To defend; guard; shield; preserve; save; secure. See DEFEND.