Protect

To keep a person or living thing safe from harm.

Reach for it when describing care that reduces a specific risk without removing agency

Wide hats and water breaks protect workers during the hottest hours.

• everyday

  look after

  when ongoing personal care is central

  not when Care is broader and may not address a particular danger.

• warm

  shield

  when a barrier blocks exposure or impact

  not when Shielding a person from all difficulty can remove information or agency.

• professional

  safeguard

  when formal measures reduce a defined risk to people

  not when Safeguarding may involve policy and oversight rather than direct physical protection.

• formal

  defend

  when an active threat or attack must be resisted

  not when Defense can escalate conflict and is too combative for routine care.

To prevent damage, loss, or unauthorized use of a thing, place, or right.

Reach for it when describing safeguards for resources, systems, or entitlements

The raised path will protect the wetland from heavy foot traffic.

• everyday

  guard

  when watch or a barrier prevents unauthorized access

  not when Guarding is one protective method and may not address decay or accidental harm.

• professional

  conserve

  when careful management prevents depletion or damage

  not when Conservation often permits use and change rather than complete protection.

• professional

  preserve

  when preventing deterioration or destructive change matters

  not when Preservation can alter access and does not cover every security threat.

• professional

  secure

  when preventing intrusion, loss, or movement is the aim

  not when Security can restrict access and does not necessarily preserve condition.

• formal

  insulate

  when separation reduces physical or figurative exposure

  not when Insulation can isolate something from useful contact as well as harm.

• endanger
• expose
• damage
• neglect
• attack

• protect children

  The barrier helps protect children without limiting the whole play area.

• protect against

  A sealed cover will protect against dust during the renovation.

• protect the right

  The policy must protect the right to appeal in every language offered.

• protect from

  The shelter will protect travelers from wind while keeping the path visible.

• protect interests

  The agreement must protect interests shared by small and large producers.