protect
verb
uk/prəˈtekt/ us [ I or T ]
to keep someone or something safe from injury, damage, or loss:
protect sb/sth from sth They produce a self-adhesive plastic cover designed to protect CDs from scratches.
protect sb/sth against sth The company has been ordered to take corrective action to protect consumers against high-pressure sales tactics.
protect against sth The investment does not insure profits or protect against losses in a declining market.
protect sb's interests/investments/rights The agreement obliges WTO Members to protect the rights, including copyrights and trademarks, of citizens of all other Members.
This material is protected by copyright.
[ T ] ECONOMICS
if a government protects part of its country's trade or industry, it helps it by taxing goods from other countries or limiting the amount of goods that can be imported:
Import barriers protected the fledgling enterprises.
a protected industry/market
[ I or T ] INSURANCE
to provide someone with insurance against injury, damage, or loss:
Workers should take out insurance, whether to cover themselves against a particular illness or to protect their income.
protect against sth Life annuities protect against the risk of people outliving their savings.