'neuroprotector' originates from Modern English, formed by combining the Greek-derived element 'neuro-' (from Greek 'neûron') meaning 'nerve' and the English word 'protector' (from Latin 'protegere') where 'protegere' meant 'to cover in front; protect'.

'neuro-' comes from Greek 'neûron' meaning 'nerve'. 'Protector' traces back to Latin 'protegere' (pro- 'before, in front' + tegere 'to cover') and entered English via Old French/Latin forms as 'protect'/'protector'. In modern biomedical English the two elements were compounded to form 'neuroprotector'.

The components originally meant 'nerve' and 'to protect'; together they evolved in modern usage to denote specifically an agent that protects nerve cells (neurons).