to keep (a person, thing) safe (from danger, enemies, attack)
take care of; guard from harm
Cases of word usage
1) a silky covering made by a caterpillar to protect itself while it is a chrysalis, especially that of the silkworm (cocoon)
2) a state official sent to help and protect her or his fellow citizens in a foreign country (consul)
3) (to protect a work, author, with) the sole legal right to print, publish, sell, broadcast, perform, film or record the work or any part of it (copyright)
4) one or more people going with another or others to protect them or as an honour (escort)
5) large glasses with special rims to protect the eyes from the wind, dust etc (as worn by motorcyclists) (goggles)
6) a container for a light from a flame, used to protect it from the wind (lantern)
7) an official group of men and women whose job is to protect people and property, catch criminals etc (police)
8) arrangements to protect public health (sanitation)
9) a piece of metal, leather etc carried to protect the body (shield)
10) to protect a person (against a disease) by giving vaccine (vaccinate)