What does it mean to protect something?

To protect something means to keep someone or something safe from harm or danger. This underscores the idea of safeguarding an entity—be it an individual, a group, an object, or even an environment—from threats or risks that could lead to damage or loss. Protection can involve a variety of actions, such as creating barriers, offering support, or implementing precautionary measures that ensure the well-being and integrity of what is being protected.

The other options suggest actions that deviate from this core meaning. Altering form or function implies a change rather than a safeguard. Destroying potential hazards focuses on prevention through elimination, rather than keeping something intact and safe, while promoting development involves encouragement and growth, which does not directly relate to the concept of protection. In essence, protecting embodies the concept of maintenance and safety, which is well captured in the chosen answer.