Protected
prəˈtɛktɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo defend or guard someone or something from attack, harm, or danger; to keep safe.
prəˈtɛkt
To keep someone or something safe from harm or damage.
The umbrella protected her from the rain.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're wearing a helmet to protect your head when you're playing sports. 'Protect' is like that helmet – it keeps something safe from getting hurt or damaged. The government protects our rights.
👶 For kids: To keep someone or something safe from getting hurt.
More Examples
The police are there to protect the public.
He protected his investment by diversifying his portfolio.
How It's Used
"The law is designed to protect citizens."
"We must protect endangered species."
"The bodyguards protected the celebrity from the crowd."
Guarded or kept safe from harm or danger; shielded.
prəˈtɛktɪd
Kept safe from harm or danger.
The protected species are those in danger of extinction.
💡 Simply: If your phone has a screen protector, it's protected from scratches, right? 'Protected' means something is already safe and sound. The new park provides protected habitat for local birds.
👶 For kids: Safe and sound, not able to get hurt.
More Examples
The building is protected by a security system.
Children's identities are protected under the law.
How It's Used
"The company's assets are legally protected."
"The protected area of the forest is home to rare species."
"The patient's immune system was protected by the medication."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the protection of
Being kept safe or guarded by someone or something.
"The refugee sought shelter under the protection of the UNHCR."
protected characteristic
A characteristic such as age, sex, race, etc., against which discrimination is illegal.
"Employers cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics such as race or religion."
From Middle English *protecten*, from Old French *protecter* (13th century), from Latin *prōtectus*, past participle of *prōtegere* 'to cover in front, protect', from *pro-* 'before' + *tegere* 'to cover'.
The word 'protect' and its forms have been used since the Middle Ages, reflecting a long-standing human need for safety and defense.
Memory tip
Think of a shield protecting a person or place.