diff --git a/xetex.ini b/xetex.ini
index 7287a75..15b2d90 100644
--- a/xetex.ini
+++ b/xetex.ini
@@ -83,8 +83,8 @@
 % Primitives in pdftex and luatex, we'll just use macros here.
 % Since we are generating a whatsit, not 100% compatible,
 % but hopefully close enough.
-\def\pdfmapfile#1{\special{pdf:mapfile #1}}
-\def\pdfmapline#1{\special{pdf:mapline #1}}
+\protected\def\pdfmapfile#1{\special{pdf:mapfile #1}}
+\protected\def\pdfmapline#1{\special{pdf:mapline #1}}
 
 \catcode`\@=12