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

Some localities through local sourcing laws have offered protection from competition by firms in other regions or overseas. —Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024

Advertisement While he was only sacked once Saturday, and while his protection was noticeably improved, his final touchdown pass came in the face of an overbearing blitz that couldn’t stop him from finding Duce Robinson for an eight-yard score. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2024

If a hotspot isn’t an option, a VPN can also provide some protection, Callahan said, as traffic should be encrypted to and from the VPN. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024

Robbie See Pleasanton Newsom must uphold smoke-free protections. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 27 Sep. 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