transitive. To surround with or as with a fence (see fence, n. 4 5); to enclose, fortify, protect.

transitive. To fortify, strengthen, protect. Frequently in passive.

transitive. To furnish with a fortress or fortifications; to protect with or as with a fortress. Chiefly transferred and figurative.

transitive (frequently reflexive or in passive). figurative and in figurative contexts. To surround or fortify (a person or thing) with something…

transitive. To serve as a bulwark to; to defend, protect, shelter.

trans. To furnish with an antidote; fortify against poison (a man or his system). Also fig. Obs.

transitive. figurative. To establish in a secure or defended position; to protect. Chiefly reflexive. Also intransitive with reflexive meaning.

transitive. figurative. Chiefly with against. To protect (a person or thing) from something; to make immune to the effects of something.

figurative. transitive. With against, from. To protect (a person or thing) from something; to make immune to the effects of something.

figurative. transitive. To protect or defend; to safeguard. Also: to grant legal immunity to.