protections

Shields against harm

Protections are measures, laws, or devices that shield someone or something from harm, damage, or unwanted interference.

The word covers both abstract safeguards—constitutional protections, consumer protections, protections against discrimination—and physical barriers like eye protection or sun protection.

In computing, memory protection prevents programs from accessing unauthorized data.

When someone has protection, they have coverage or security provided by another party, whether that's insurance, a bodyguard, or in older slang, a payment to criminals who promise not to cause trouble.

legal

legislation

Official enactment of statutes

regulationsEnforced rules and standards
statutesFormally enacted laws
ordinancesLocal government rules

acts · safeguards · rights · amendments · injunctions · mandates · patents · copyrights · trademarks · immunity

armor

helmet

Protective head covering

shieldHandheld defensive armor
breastplateMetal torso protection
chainmailArmor of linked rings

greaves · cuirass · gauntlet · pauldron · hauberk · gorget · plate · mail · vambrace · sabaton

insurance

policy

Adopted principle of action

coverageExtent of inclusion
premiumAdded cost for better
deductibleOut-of-pocket threshold amount

claim · beneficiary · indemnity · liability · compensation · underwriting · reinsurance · actuary · payout · rider

physical

barrier

Obstruction preventing passage

barricadeObstacle blocking a path
fenceBoundary structure between properties
guardrailRoadside safety barrier

railing · netting · handrail · gate · enclosure · wall · fortification · bulwark · rampart · parapet

digital

encryption

Converting data into code

firewallNetwork access control system
antivirusMalware detection program
authenticationConfirming genuine identity

password · cybersecurity · biometrics · access control · intrusion detection · two-factor · VPN · backup · data security · SSL

surveillance

monitoring

Ongoing observation of something

patrolRegular surveillance route
guardWatchful defensive attention
alarmUrgent warning signal

CCTV · watchtower · screening · checkpoint · lockdown · sentry · escort · bodyguard · bouncer · watchdog

Categories

safeguardssafeguards, safety valve, kill switch, defenses, emergency stop
child laborchild labor, child workers, child labor laws, bonded labor, debt bondage
support servicestherapy, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, coaching
teacher employmenthiring, firing, pay, evaluations, qualifications
teacher tenuretenure system, tenure review, tenure track

Opposites

safety vs. harm

protectionsdangers

Sources of potential harm

threats · hazards · perils · harms · risks

shielding vs. exposure

protectionsexposures

Instances of being revealed

vulnerabilities · openings · susceptibilities · unguardedness · defencelessness

defense vs. offense

protectionsattacks

Aggressive hostile actions

assaults · aggressions · incursions · strikes · onslaughts

Phrases

protection racketsExtortion through threatened violence
identity protectionMeasures preventing personal fraud
financial protectionSafeguard against monetary loss
witness protectionHiding those who testified
crash protectionMechanisms minimizing collision harm
sun protectionShielding from UV rays

Family

protection, protectionism, protectionist, protectionists, overprotection, data protection, consumer protection, self-protection, environmental protection

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G