1. past tense of 'proteger-se'; to have shielded or defended oneself from harm, danger, or unwanted influence
She protected herself from the rain with an umbrella.
Ela protegeu-se da chuva com um guarda-chuva.
2. to have safeguarded one's interests or rights
The company protected itself legally with a strong contract.
A empresa protegeu-se legalmente com um contrato forte.