What are the opposite words for protect?

When thinking of antonyms for "protect," one might consider words such as harm, endanger, expose, or neglect. These words indicate the opposite of protecting something or someone. When one fails to protect something, they are putting it at risk of harm or danger, which could result in irreversible consequences. Conversely, protecting something means to ensure that it is safeguarded from any potential harm or threat. It's important to consider the antonyms for "protect" so we can understand the consequences of failing to protect something important - whether it's a person, a property, or even a a natural resource like water or air.