Protect

Protect, prō-tekt′, v.t. to cover in front: to cover over: to shield from danger: to defend: to shelter.—adv. Protec′tingly.—ns. Protec′tion, act of protecting: state of being protected: preservation: defence: that which protects: guard: refuge: security: a writing guaranteeing against molestation or interference: passport: a fostering of home produce and manufactures by laying taxes on the importation of foreign goods; Protec′tionism, the doctrine of the protectionists; Protec′tionist, one who favours the protection of trade by law.—adj. favouring the economic doctrine of protection.—adj. Protec′tive, affording protection: defensive: sheltering.—n. that which protects.—adv. Protec′tively.—ns. Protec′tiveness; Protec′tor, one who protects from injury or oppression: a guardian: a regent:—fem. Protec′tress, Protec′trix.—adjs. Protec′toral, Protectō′rial, pertaining to a protector or a regent.—n. Protec′torāte, government by a protector: the authority assumed by a superior: relation assumed by a strong nation to a weak one, whereby the latter is protected from hostile or foreign interference.—adj. Protec′torless.—ns. Protec′torship; Protec′tory, an institution for destitute children. [L., pro, in front, tegĕre, tectum, to cover.]