protect
UK[prəˈtekt]US[prəˈtekt]
v
To keep someone or something safe from harm, injury, damage, or loss.
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
tect
pro
in front
tect
cover
Etymology
The verb "protect" entered English in the 15th century from the Latin past participle protectus, meaning "covered in front." This derives from the verb protegere, a compound of pro- ("in front") and tegere ("to cover"). The core logic is vividly physical: to place a cover or shield before something to guard it. Over time, this concrete image of shielding from the front broadened into the modern abstract sense of providing safety or defense against any form of harm or danger.
Analysis
Structure: pro (in front) + tect (cover)
- pro: A Latin prefix meaning "in front of," "before," or "for."
- tect: From the Latin root tegere, meaning "to cover" or "to shelter."
Examples
Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
The law is designed to protect the rights of consumers.
He raised his arm to protect his face from the impact.