protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər 

1

a

: one that protects : guardian

b

: a device used to prevent injury : guard

2

a

: one having the care of a kingdom during the king's minority : regent

b

: the executive head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659

called also Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

protectorship

prə-ˈtek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of protector

• guardian
• defender
• custodian
• protection
• bodyguard

Examples of protector in a Sentence

She sees her older brother as her protector.

a protector of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

If your recliner is old and worn, that age will clearly show with a protector. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Denver lost its two best rim protectors, who also supplied the bulk of its offensive baseline production via cuts for dunks and lobs and corner 3-point shooting. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026

Silva, a 6-foot-7 center, was one of the best rim protectors in the country. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026

Regular washing prevents stains from setting into the mattress, eliminates odors, and maintains the protector's waterproof properties if applicable. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing protector

• surge protector

Rhymes for protector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Kids Definition

protector

noun

pro·​tec·​tor prə-ˈtek-tər 

1

: a person or thing that protects or is intended to protect

2

: a person who takes charge of a kingdom while the king or queen is too young to rule : regent