protect vs assist

protect is not a noun while assist is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
protect	No	No	Yes	No
assist	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, assist is a hypernym of protect; that is, assist is a word with a broader meaning than protect:

protect (noun)	assist (noun)
	(sports) the act of enabling another player to make a good play
	the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

protect (verb)	assist (verb)
shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage	act as an assistant in a subordinate or supportive function
use tariffs to favor domestic industry	work for, or be a servant to
	give help or assistance; be of service