protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprä-tə-ˈstā-shən 

ˌprō-,

-ˌte-

: the act of protesting : a solemn declaration or avowal

Synonyms

• affirmation
• assertion
• asseveration
• avouchment
• avowal
• claim
• declaration
• insistence
• profession

Examples of protestation in a Sentence

Despite his protestations to the contrary, he appears to be guilty.

the governor went on television to make a passionate protestation of his innocence in the bribery scandal

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite protestations from those close to him about moving to Apple, Cook felt the move was necessary. —Natalie McCormick, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024

Despite Lazlo’s scientific protestations, the vampires are forced to perform a seance to remove a ghost infestation, only to be haunted afterwards by their human selves and/or a serious lack of updog. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2024

Antonio appears dead inside, despite the protestations of his parents. —Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Oct. 2024

Despite protestations that Trump is only seeking behavior change, the administration clearly hopes that public criticism of regime corruption and human rights abuses will combine with economic grievances intensified by sanctions to produce another Iranian revolution. —Colin H. Kahl, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprät-əs-ˈtā-shən 

ˌprō-ˌtes-

1

: the act of protesting

2

: a positive declaration