protect
transitive verbTo keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. synonym: defend.
transitive verbTo keep from being subjected to difficulty or unpleasantness.
transitive verbTo keep from being curtailed or exposed to risk.
transitive verbTo help (domestic industry) with tariffs or quotas on imported goods.
transitive verbTo assure payment of (drafts or notes, for example) by setting aside funds.
transitive verbTo attempt to hold (a lead) by playing careful defense and avoiding risky plays.
transitive verbTo swing at a pitch near (home plate) in order to avoid being called out on strikes.
transitive verbTo swing at a pitch so as to give (a base runner) a better chance of advancing.