To cover or shield from danger, harm, damage, trespass, exposure, insult, temptation, or the like; defend; guard; preserve in safety: applied with a wide range, both literally and figuratively, actively and passively.To act as protector or regent for. Compare protector, 2 .Specifically, in political economics, to guard or strengthen against foreign competition by means of a protective duty.Synonyms Defend, Shelter, etc. (see keep), screen, secure.