protect

To keep from being damaged, attacked, stolen, or injured; guard. synonym: defend.

To keep from being subjected to difficulty or unpleasantness.

To keep from being curtailed or exposed to risk.

To help (domestic industry) with tariffs or quotas on imported goods.

To assure payment of (drafts or notes, for example) by setting aside funds.

To attempt to hold (a lead) by playing careful defense and avoiding risky plays.

To swing at a pitch near (home plate) in order to avoid being called out on strikes.

To swing at a pitch so as to give (a base runner) a better chance of advancing.