Meaning
防护 means to protect or defend against harm, danger, or unwanted effects. It combines 防 (to defend/prevent) and 护 (to guard/protect), creating a word that emphasizes active protective measures. It's commonly used in contexts involving safety equipment, health measures, or defensive systems.
Usage
防护 is frequently used in formal or technical contexts, especially regarding safety equipment (防护服 protective suit), health measures (防护措施 protective measures), or military/industrial protection. It often appears as a modifier before nouns to indicate something's protective function. Native speakers use it more in written language and official speech than in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01医护人员必须穿戴防护装备才能进入隔离区。.Medical staff must wear protective equipment before entering the isolation area.
- 02这种防护霜可以有效阻挡紫外线对皮肤的伤害。.This protective cream can effectively block UV damage to the skin.
Characters
Common collocations
- 防护服protective suit, hazmat suit
- 防护措施protective measures
- 防护用品protective equipment
- 个人防护personal protection
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to protection: 防 originally depicted an earthen embankment to prevent flooding, while 护 shows a hand (手) taking action to speak (言) on behalf of someone, extended to mean protection.