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.