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protector

pro-tek-TORpɾoteɣˈtoɾ

protective

Also: defensive
A small child holding an umbrella over a tiny bird in a nest, demonstrating a protective instinct against light rain.

📝 In Action

Mi perro es muy protector con los niños de la casa.

A2

My dog is very protective of the children in the house.

Ella tiene un instinto protector muy fuerte.

B1

She has a very strong protective instinct.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • instinto protector – protective instinct
  • actitud protectora – protective attitude

protector, patron

Also: guardian
NounmB1
Spain
A tall, strong figure holds the hand of a small figure, guiding them safely across a narrow wooden bridge.

📝 In Action

El duque era el protector de la ciudad durante la guerra.

B2

The duke was the protector of the city during the war.

Buscan un protector para financiar la nueva fundación.

B2

They are looking for a patron to finance the new foundation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

protector, sunscreen

Also: guard, sunblock
NounmA2
A sturdy, bright red bicycle helmet resting on a green patch of grass, representing a protective device.

📝 In Action

No olvides ponerte protector antes de salir al sol.

A2

Don't forget to put on sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Se me rompió el protector de la pantalla del teléfono.

A2

The screen protector on my phone broke.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • protector solar – sunscreen/sunblock
  • protector de pantalla – screen protector
  • factor protector – protective factor (SPF)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: protector

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'protector' as a noun referring to a physical object?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
proteger(to protect) — Verb
protección(protection) — Noun
protectora(protective (f.) / protectress (f. noun)) — Adjective / Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin *protector*, meaning 'defender' or 'patron.' It is built from the prefix *pro-* (in front of) and the verb *tegere* (to cover or shield), literally meaning 'one who covers in front.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: protectorFrench: protecteur

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'protector' masculine or feminine?

The word 'protector' is masculine (el protector). However, if you are describing a feminine noun or referring to a female guardian, the word changes to 'protectora' (la protectora).

What is the difference between 'protector solar' and 'bloqueador'?

They both mean sunscreen or sunblock. 'Protector solar' is universally understood and very common in Spain. 'Bloqueador' is a very common synonym used widely in many Latin American countries.