apsaugoti

Apsaugoti is a Lithuanian verb meaning to protect or safeguard, especially from harm or danger. It is a perfective verb formed with the prefix ap- added to the root saug- (to guard). The imperfective counterpart is saugoti, used for ongoing or repeated protection.

In usage, apsaugoti takes a direct object in the accusative and is often followed by a phrase with nuo to indicate what is being protected from. Examples: apsaugoti vaikus nuo pavojų; apsaugoti duomenis nuo išorinių įsilaužimų; apsaugoti asmens teises. In everyday language as well as law, policy, and security contexts, the verb appears in constructions such as apsaugoti vartotojų teises, apsaugoti svarbią infrastruktūrą, or measures to apsaugoti against harm. In information technology, it is common to say apsaugoti duomenis, apsaugoti sistemą, using encryption or access controls.

Past forms use the participle apsaugotas/apsaugota, describing something that has been protected. Examples: Duomenys buvo apsaugoti. The future is formed with a personal form of the verb, e.g., apsaugosiu, apsaugosime.

The etymology traces to the root saug- with the prefix ap-, indicating completion or intensification.

Related terms include saugoti (to guard), apsauga (protection), saugumas (safety), and other protection-related phrases in Lithuanian.