Beskytta

Beskytta is a verb used in some Scandinavian languages with the sense “to protect” or “to safeguard.” In Swedish, the modern infinitive form is beskydda, while beskytta appears as an older or regional variant. The verb is typically transitive and takes a direct object, as in beskydda barnen (to protect the children) or beskytta miljön (to safeguard the environment). The present tense is beskyttar, and the past participle is beskyttad. In Norwegian and Danish, cognate forms beskytte/beskytte are common with the same meaning.

The word is derived from a root connected to protection or shield, and is related to the noun skydd (shield, protection) with the prefix be- used to form a verb. Its semantic field covers physical protection, legal or moral safeguarding, and figurative uses such as protecting privacy, rights, or cultural heritage.

Usage notes: beskytta/beskydda can be used for people, property, information, and ideas. It appears in everyday speech as well as in formal writing, policy discussions, and legal contexts. Variants and preferred spellings depend on dialect and national standardization, with beskydda (Swedish) and beskytte/beskytte (Norwegian/Danish) representing closely related forms.

See also: skydda, beskytte, beskyttelse.