The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Protect \Pro*tect"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Protected; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Protecting.] [L. protectus, p. p. of protegere,
   literally, to cover in front; pro before + tegere to cover.
   See Tegument.]
   To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to
   guard; to preserve in safety; as, a father protects his
   children.
   [1913 Webster]

         The gods of Greece protect you!          --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: To guard; shield; preserve. See Defend.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

protect
    v 1: shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage;
         "Weatherbeater protects your roof from the rain"
    2: use tariffs to favor domestic industry