past form and past participle
Kept a person, animal, or thing safe from harm, injury, damage, or loss.
The thick walls protected the ancient fortress from enemy attacks.
The hikers were protected from the cold by warm blankets.
American English
How to pronounce protected
verbB1Very common word
pruhTEHKtihd
/pʰɹəˈtʰɛk.tɪd̚/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of protect
Protected is used as both the past form and the past participle of protect.
Kept a person, animal, or thing safe from harm, injury, damage, or loss.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past form and past participle
Defended a right, interest, or group against unfair treatment or loss.
The law protected workers from discrimination.
The workers were protected from discrimination by the new law.
Useful expressions
being kept safe by someone or something
The refugees were under the protection of the United Nations.