Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb protect

2 senses of protect

Sense 1
protect -- (shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage; "Weatherbeater protects your roof from the rain")
       => defend -- (be on the defensive; act against an attack)

Sense 2
protect -- (use tariffs to favor domestic industry)
       => assist -- (act as an assistant in a subordinate or supportive function)