protegido

protected

adjective proh-teh-HEE-doh Less Common

Origin: Past participle of proteger, from Latin protegere (to cover in front).

Also means

sheltered, shielded

Usage Note

Protegido functions as both an adjective and a noun: as a noun, un protegido means a protégé or ward. The phrase espacio natural protegido (protected natural area) is a standard environmental designation. As a past participle it is used in passive constructions: estaba protegido por la ley.

Examples

"El parque es un área natural protegida."

Natural Translation

The park is a protected natural area.

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