(v. t.) To cover or shield from danger or injury; to defend; to guard; to preserve in safety; as, a father protects his children.

abet advocate aid arm armor assist avail bail out bear a hand befriend benefit bless bulwark care for champion cloak comfort compass about conserve copyright cover cushion defend do good doctor ease ensure favor fence fend flank foster give a boost give a hand give a lift give help guarantee guard guard against harbor haven help insure keep keep alive keep from harm keep intact keep inviolate keep safe keep up lend a hand lend one aid maintain make safe make sure mind nestle not destroy not endanger not expend not use up not waste nurture patent play safe police preserve proffer aid rally reclaim redeem register relieve remedy render assistance rescue restore resuscitate revive ride shotgun for safeguard save screen secure set up shelter shield shroud spare succor support sustain take care of take in tow take precautions tend underwrite uphold watch over