ward vs protect

ward is a noun but protect is not a noun.

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

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

ward (noun)	protect (noun)
block forming a division of a hospital (or a suite of rooms) shared by patients who need a similar kind of care
a division of a prison (usually consisting of several cells)
a district into which a city or town is divided for the purpose of administration and elections
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another

ward (verb)	protect (verb)
watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect	shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
	use tariffs to favor domestic industry