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protected

protected

1 2.0
Kept safe from harm or danger
  • adjective
  • /prəˈtɛktɪd/
translation icon : protegido
  • The endangered species is now protected by strict conservation laws.
  • Protected Areas
  • Protected Area

They feel safe and protected and even strong.

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Examples

  • THE LAW SAYS THIS PARK IS NOW A PROTECTED NATURE PRESERVE.

  • Only Venice held out, protected by its lagoons.

  • When we feel protected, we take more risks.

  • They feel safe and protected and even strong.

  • And life is inherently good and needs to be protected, preserved and spread.

  • She felt protected in her home, safe from the storm outside.

  • The child played in the protected area, where wildlife is safe from hunters.

Synonyms

safe
vsprotected
1.0

Not likely to be harmed or in danger

is about being kept from harm by active guarding
immune
vsprotected
  • Formal
41 4.2

Not subject to a law or rule because of a special position

concerns safety from harm or danger rather than exemption from rules
sheltered
vsprotected
1 3.2

Protected from wind, rain, or danger by something that covers it

focuses on being kept from many kinds of threat or loss
shielded
vsprotected
  • Specialized
4.4

Covered by a case or layer to protect it from damage

applies more broadly to guarding against many kinds of danger
saved
vsprotected
1.0

A person or thing kept safe from harm

describes the general state of being kept safe rather than the rescue act
sheathed
vsprotected
5.8

Covered by a protective layer or case

is about guarding against threats beyond just physical encasing
buffered
vsprotected
4.4

Protected from sudden change and harm by a barrier or cushion

means wider guarding against various dangers, not only sudden shocks

Antonyms

581 4.0

At risk of being harmed, attacked or influenced

28 2.9

Not safe from harm

1 3.4

Not protected from danger or bad weather

Compounds

1 5.8

A democracy where strong courts and laws protect people's rights and stop attempts to take power

How Protected

invulnerable
22 7.7
secure
318 3.2
protected
1 2.0
vulnerable
581 4.0
exposed
1 3.4

Surface Forms

protected positive

Morphology

protected = protect (transparent) = protect + ed

A regular past-participial/adjectival formation from the verb 'protect'; the meaning 'kept safe' follows directly from the verb plus '-ed'.

Etymology

Protected comes from Latin parts pro- ('before') and tegere ('to cover'), so it originally meant being 'covered in front' like a shield; a helpful image is someone standing in front of you to keep you safe. That's why something protected is kept safe from harm.