‘庇护’ is a formal verb meaning to shelter, protect, or grant asylum—especially in contexts where someone or something is vulnerable and needs safeguarding from danger, persecution, or harm. The first character 庇 (bì) originally meant ‘to shelter under a roof’ and conveys protection by covering or shielding; the second character 护 (hù) means ‘to guard’ or ‘to defend’. Together, they emphasize active, often deliberate protection—frequently used for people seeking refuge (e.g., political asylum seekers), endangered species, or historically significant sites.

While it can appear in legal, environmental, or humanitarian discourse, it carries a tone of moral responsibility or official authority—not casual or everyday protection (which would use words like 保护). It’s rarely used for minor, routine safety (e.g., holding an umbrella), and almost never in colloquial speech without serious intent.