Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - protect

~ v 1 to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness  (protect sb/sth from sth)  (Try to protect your skin from the sun. | Kids should be protected from all that violence. | protect sth)  (laws protecting the rights of disabled people | I have to protect my reputation. | protect sb/sth against)  (a natural camouflage that protects them against predators) + agains  (locks to protect against burglars) 2 usually passive to keep something such as an old building or a rare animal safe from harm or destruction, by means of special laws 3 to help the industry and trade of your own country by taxing foreign goods  (- see also protectionism, protective) - protected adj  (Spotted owls are a protected species.)