tr.v., -tect·ed, -tect·ing, -tects.
- To keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. See synonyms at defend.
- To help (domestic industry) with tariffs or quotas on imported goods.
- To assure payment of (drafts or notes, for example) by setting aside funds.
- Sports. To attempt to hold (a lead) by playing careful defense and avoiding risky plays.
- Baseball.
- To swing at a pitch near (home plate) in order to avoid being called out on strikes.
- To swing at a pitch so as to give (a base runner) a better chance of advancing.
[Middle English protecten, from Latin prōtegere, prōtēct- : prō-, in front; see pro-1 + tegere, to cover.]
protectingly pro·tect'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
