protected

/prəˈtɛktɪd/
adjectiveIntermediate
general

Kept safe from harm, damage, or danger

The children were protected from the sun by their hats.

The children's hats kept them safe from the sun's rays.

The software is protected by a password.

The software is secured with a password to prevent unauthorized access.

💡

Can refer to physical, digital, or legal protection.

⚖️Law
formal

Legally safeguarded from interference or harm

The witness was protected by a court order.

The court issued an order to prevent harm to the witness.

💡

Often used in legal contexts to describe rights or protections under law.

Collocations

protected bysafeguarded byprotected fromsafeguarded againstprotected areaa designated safe zone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

protected speciesphrase
a species legally safeguarded from hunting or harm
protected areaphrase
a designated zone where activities are restricted to preserve nature

💡Pro Tip

Legal vs. Physical Use

In legal contexts, 'protected' often refers to rights or laws, while in everyday use, it refers to physical safety.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Always consider whether 'protected' is used in a physical, digital, or legal sense.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'protecten,' from Latin 'protegere,' meaning 'to cover over, protect.'

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as protecting data or rights.

Word Breakdown

protect
to keep safe
root
+
-ed
past participle form
suffix
English Dictionary