Pro*tect" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Protected;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Protecting.]
[L. protectus, p. p. of
protegere, literally, to cover in front; pro before + tegere to cover. See Tegument.] 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.
Hear it pronounced