protector

[pruh-tek-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that protects; defender; guardian.

2. English History.

   1. a person in charge of the kingdom during the sovereign's minority, incapacity, or absence.

   2. Also called Lord Protector. (initial capital letter),  the title of the head of the government during the period of the Protectorate, held by Oliver Cromwell (1653–58) and by Richard Cromwell, his son (1658–59).

protector

¹

/ prəˈtɛktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that protects

2. history a person who exercised royal authority during the minority, absence, or incapacity of the monarch

Protector

²

/ prəˈtɛktə /

noun

1. short for Lord Protector, the title borne by Oliver Cromwell (1653–58) and by Richard Cromwell (1658–59) as heads of state during the period known as the Protectorate

Other Word Forms

• protectress noun
• protectoral adjective
• protectorless adjective
• protectorship noun
• subprotector noun
• subprotectorship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of protector¹

1325–75; < Late Latin ( protect, -tor ); replacing Middle English protectour < Middle French

Example Sentences

The sister of a 21-year-old man who died in a motorcycle crash has released a poignant tribute to her big brother, describing him as her "protector and safe place".

From BBC

In a tribute released through Cumbria Police, she described him as "my safe place, my protector, my best friend".

From BBC

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford appears on track to start the season opener against the Houston Texans — and now perhaps his primary protector will join him in the preparation.

From Los Angeles Times

Global content giant Lionsgate is reportedly developing Naruto, an anime about a young, underdog ninja who works his way up to become the village protector.

From BBC

Raffaele, the superhero-loving son of a troubled mother, made himself into a “protector.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• benefactor 
• bulwark 
• defender 
• partisan 
• patron 
• savior