protect

transitive verb

To keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. synonym: defend.

transitive verb

To keep from being subjected to difficulty or unpleasantness.

transitive verb

To keep from being curtailed or exposed to risk.

transitive verb

To help (domestic industry) with tariffs or quotas on imported goods.

transitive verb

To assure payment of (drafts or notes, for example) by setting aside funds.

transitive verb

To attempt to hold (a lead) by playing careful defense and avoiding risky plays.

transitive verb

To swing at a pitch near (home plate) in order to avoid being called out on strikes.

transitive verb

To swing at a pitch so as to give (a base runner) a better chance of advancing.