protect

verb

Etymology: Attested in English since 1530, from Latin prōtēctus (“covered, protected”), past participle of prōtegō, prōtegere (“to cover the front, protect”) from prō, prō- (“before, in front of”) + tegō, tegere (“to cover”), see tegument. Displaced native Middle English shelden, from Old English sċildan (“to protect,” literally “to shield”).

1. To keep safe; to defend; to guard; to prevent harm coming to.

   “to protect a child from danger”

   “This antivirus package will protect your computer from hackers.”

2. To book a passenger on a later flight if there is a chance they will not be able to board their earlier reserved flight.