protector

protector — noun

1. a person who takes responsibility for keeping someone or something safe from har

1.nounB1
Definition

a person who takes responsibility for keeping someone or something safe from harm, danger, or attack

Example

The dog became Eli's loyal protector after he rescued it from the shelter.

possessive + adjective + protector

Indra's older brother acted as her protector during the school camping trip.

Common collocations
  • loyal protector
  • fierce protector
  • act as a protector
  • role as protector
Synonyms
  • guardian

    implies a legal or formal responsibility, often for a child or vulnerable person

  • defender

    suggests active resistance against a specific threat or attack

  • guard

    focuses on the job of watching over someone or something to prevent danger

Antonyms
  • attacker

    someone who deliberately harms or threatens another person

  • enemy

    a person who is hostile and seeks to cause harm

Grammar Patterns

protector of [someone/something]

possessive + protector

Usage Note

Commonly paired with a possessive noun or an 'of'-phrase to specify who or what is being kept safe (e.g., 'her protector,' 'a protector of the forest').

Common Mistakes

My father is my protect.
My father is my protector.
'protect' is a verb; the noun form requires the '-or' suffix.

2. an item of clothing or a device worn on the body to prevent injuries during spor

2.nounB1
Definition

an item of clothing or a device worn on the body to prevent injuries during sports, work, or other physical activities

Example

Yasmin bought a new knee protector before her first skateboarding lesson.

body part + protector (knee protector)

A good mouth protector is essential for anyone who plays contact sports.

mouth protector + essential for [activity]

Common collocations
  • knee protector
  • mouth protector
  • chest protector
  • shin protector
  • eye protector
  • wear a protector
Synonyms
  • guard

    often used for rigid protective pieces (chin guard, shin guard)

  • pad

    refers to a softer, cushioning protective item (elbow pad, knee pad)

Grammar Patterns

[body part] + protector

wear a [body part] protector

Usage Note

Often combined with a body-part name to form a compound noun specifying the protected area (e.g., 'knee protector,' 'mouth protector'). The synonyms 'guard' (as in 'chin guard') and 'pad' (as in 'elbow pad') are also common.

Common Mistakes

She wore a protect for her knees.
She wore a knee protector.
When referring to safety gear, the body part typically comes before 'protector' as a compound noun.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While 'protector' is the broadest term for anyone or anything that keeps others safe, 'guardian' usually implies a legal or long-term responsibility, often for a child or elderly person — for example, a 'legal guardian' is a role assigned by a court. 'Defender' suggests actively fighting against a specific threat or attack; a 'defender of human rights' speaks up against injustice. 'Shield' is more metaphorical and passive — it refers to something that serves as a barrier against harm rather than an active agent, as in 'a strong immune system is your body's shield against illness.' Use 'protector' for general, everyday contexts; 'guardian' for formal or legal relationships; 'defender' when resistance is involved; and 'shield' when describing a protective barrier.

protector ↗guardian ↗defender ↗shield ↗

Common collocations

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'protector' comes from Latin 'protector,' meaning 'one who covers or shields from the front.' It is formed from 'protegere' — 'pro-' (forward, in front) and 'tegere' (to cover). English adopted it through Old French 'protectour' in the 14th century, originally referring to a person who shields or defends another from harm.