protected

/prəˈtɛktɪd/
verb
  1. Past tense of protect: kept someone or something safe from harm, damage, or danger.
    • The mother bear protected her cubs from the intruder.
    • The treaty protected the rights of the indigenous people.
    • He protected his eyes with safety goggles while welding.
adjective
  1. Kept safe from harm, damage, or danger.
    • Endangered species are often kept in protected areas.
    • She felt protected under her umbrella during the storm.
    • The protected forest is off-limits to loggers.
  2. Having legal or official safeguards against unfair treatment or exploitation.
    • Copyright law ensures that an author's work is protected.
    • The witness was given a protected identity during the trial.
    • Employees are protected by labor laws against discrimination.