protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən 

1

: the act of protecting : the state of being protected

2

a

: one that protects

b

: supervision or support of one that is smaller and weaker

c

: a contraceptive device (such as a condom)

3

: the freeing of the producers of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (such as high duties) on foreign competitive goods

4

a

: immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery

b

: money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association

5

: coverage sense 1a

6

: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing

Synonyms

• aegis
• egis
• ammunition
• armor
• buckler
• cover
• defense
• guard
• safeguard
• screen
• security
• shield
• wall
• ward

Examples of protection in a Sentence

He fights for the protection of the environment.

Hard hats provide protection for the workers' heads.

The witness was placed under police protection.

Recent Examples on the Web

Four years ago, the Sharks had Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Logan Couture, Kevin Labanc, Evander Kane, Erik Karlsson, Martin Jones, and Timo Meier on long-term contracts, most with at least some trade protection in a flat-cap world. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024

The company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting related to the protection of funds permitted for withdrawal from the Trust Account and compliance with the investment management trust agreement. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

These plans outline how a forest will be managed — like logging parameters, species protections, restoration projects and road maintenance. —April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024

And most importantly, its 100-gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides protection from chilly winter temperatures down to the 20s. —Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing protection

• cathodic protection
• equal protection
• extreme risk protection order
• personal protection equipment
• self-protection
• sun protection factor

Kids Definition

protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən 

1

a

: the act of protecting

under our protection

b

: the state of being protected

the open boat offered no protection from the weather

2

: a person or thing that protects

Legal Definition

protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion

1

: the act of protecting : the state of being protected

entitled to constitutional protection

2

a

: one that protects

b

: supervision or support of one having less power

protection of endangered species

3

: the freeing of the producers of goods of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (as high duties) on foreign competitive goods

4

a

: immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery

b

: money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association

5

: coverage for loss provided by insurance