protect
UK: prəˈtekt | US: prəˈtekt
vt. to keep safe from harm, injury, or damage
vt. to guard or shield from attack or encroachment
vt. to support or preserve by legal or official measures
protect = pro<forward/in front> + tect<cover>
- pro: From Latin pro, meaning "forward," "in front of," or "on behalf of." In "protect," it implies shielding or acting as a barrier.
- tect: From Latin tectus (past participle of tegere), meaning "to cover" or "to shield." This root appears in words like "detect" (uncover) and "tectonic" (related to Earth's crust, literally "building cover").
Etymology Origin:
The word "protect" originates from Latin protectus, combining pro- (forward) and tegere (to cover). The concept evolved from physically covering something (like a roof shielding from rain) to abstractly guarding against threats. This dual sense of physical and metaphorical defense reflects its usage in both everyday and legal contexts (e.g., "protecting rights").
Vaccines help protect children from dangerous diseases.
The law protects consumers from fraudulent advertising.
She wore sunglasses to protect her eyes from the sun.
The castle walls were built to protect against invaders.
Environmental policies aim to protect endangered species.