protect against

USAGE SUMMARY

"protect against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something guarding something else against a certain danger or risk, or to anticipate and avoid a particular bad result. For example: We should take extra measures to protect against the spread of Covid-19.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe stripes somehow protect against excessive heat.

The New Yorker

Could this bug help protect against frailty?

Independent

Lysosomes may also protect against cancer.

The New York Times - Science

Cervarix does not protect against genital warts.

The New York Times

Estrogen may also protect against colon cancer.

The New York Times - Science

Will abstaining from salt protect against them?

The New York Times - Science

Government must help protect against job loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

Annuities protect against that outcome.

Forbes

The drug didn't protect against miscarriages.

Forbes

They might also protect against infection.

BBC

Does dirty farm dust protect against asthma?

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "protect against", specify the agent of protection and the specific threat or harm being averted to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "protect against" in overly broad contexts without specifying what is being protected and from what. Be specific to enhance the impact and credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protect against" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken to prevent harm, damage, or negative consequences. Ludwig provides examples across diverse domains, reinforcing its role in expressing precautionary or defensive measures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "protect against" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that denotes actions taken to prevent harm or negative consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it maintains grammatical correctness and is suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to everyday advice. Alternatives include "guard against", "shield from", and "defend from", each subtly altering the nuance of protection. When employing "protect against", it’s crucial to specify both the protector and the threat for optimal clarity. Ludwig examples underscore that, whether discussing health, cybersecurity, or general safety, "protect against" serves as a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guard against

Replaces "protect" with "guard", emphasizing vigilance and defense.

shield from

Uses "shield" to convey a sense of direct defense and obstruction of harm.

defend from

Employs "defend", suggesting active resistance and safeguarding.

safeguard from

Replaces "protect" with "safeguard", highlighting the preservation of something valuable.

secure from

Focuses on making something safe and unassailable.

immunize against

Specifically used in contexts where biological or immunological resistance is conferred.

insulate from

Implies creating a barrier to prevent the transmission of harmful influences.

ward off

Suggests repelling or averting something harmful.

mitigate

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

counteract

Implies taking action to neutralize or oppose a negative effect.

FAQs

How can I use "protect against" in a sentence?

Use "protect against" to indicate measures taken to prevent harm or damage, such as, "Wearing sunscreen helps "protect against" skin cancer".

What are some alternatives to "protect against"?

You can use alternatives like "guard against", "shield from", or "defend from" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "protect from" and "protect against"?

While similar, "protect from" generally implies shielding from an immediate threat, whereas ""protect against"" often refers to preventive measures taken for potential future threats.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "protect against"?

"Protect against" is appropriate in contexts discussing safety measures, preventive healthcare, cybersecurity, and risk management, among others.