desire to protect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire to protect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong wish or intention to safeguard someone or something. Example: "Her desire to protect the environment led her to become an activist for sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a desire to protect, but there's a difference between protection and isolation," he said.

The New York Times

We understand the desire to protect innocents.

The New York Times

We respect the researchers' desire to protect public health.

The New York Times

The desire to protect children from smoke is laudable.

Independent

I understand the N.F.L.'s desire to protect "defenseless" players.

The New York Times

Few could resent Tiger's desire to protect his privacy.

The Guardian - Sport

Joan's desire to protect him is total, feral.

The New York Times - Books

The more we desire to protect them, the more dangerous the outside world seems to our children - and so the more we desire to protect them.

The Guardian

First, by a desire to protect myself from the embarrassment of my own conduct.

The New York Times

The desire to protect financial institutions from a potentially self-fulfilling loss of confidence is understandable.

The New York Times

Her criticism of charter schools, though, arises partly from a desire to protect Catholic ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desire to protect", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is being protected. Clarity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "desire to protect" excessively in highly emotional or sentimental writing, as it can sometimes sound cliché. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to convey the sentiment more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to protect" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It expresses the motivation or inclination towards safeguarding something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

20%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire to protect" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a strong inclination or motivation to safeguard something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being protected to maximize clarity and impact. While ubiquitous, overusing the phrase in overly sentimental contexts should be avoided. Alternatives such as "urge to protect" and "wish to safeguard" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urge to protect

Emphasizes a strong, compelling impulse towards protection.

wish to safeguard

Replaces "desire" with "wish" and "protect" with "safeguard", indicating a hope for preservation.

yearning to defend

Highlights a deep longing and motivation to defend something or someone.

motivation to shield

Focuses on the underlying reason or impetus for shielding someone or something from harm.

aspiration to preserve

Implies a higher goal and ambition in maintaining the current state of something.

inclination to guard

Suggests a natural tendency and leaning towards protecting and watching over.

ambition to secure

Indicates a strong drive and goal to make something safe and protected.

determination to conserve

Focuses on a resolute and unwavering intention to maintain something in its current condition.

longing to preserve

Highlights a deep emotional want to protect and maintain something.

zeal to defend

Emphasizes an enthusiastic and passionate approach to defending something.

FAQs

How can I use "desire to protect" in a sentence?

You can use "desire to protect" to express a strong wish or intention to safeguard someone or something. For example, "Her desire to protect the environment led her to become an activist."

What are some alternatives to "desire to protect"?

Alternatives include "urge to protect", "wish to safeguard", or "yearning to defend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "desire to protect" and "need to protect"?

"Desire to protect" implies a strong wish or intention, while "need to protect" suggests a necessity or requirement. The former is more about volition, while the latter is about obligation or critical importance.

In what contexts is "desire to protect" most appropriately used?

"Desire to protect" is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize a personal motivation or strong inclination to safeguard something, whether it's people, values, or assets.