protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən How to pronounce protection (audio)
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
6
: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing

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 Glenn Ellingson, a visiting fellow at the advocacy organization the Integrity Institute, notes that after X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, aggressively slashed user protections, its number of users declined starkly. Jordan P. Hickey, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Brinkley urged her followers to be diligent with sun protection. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2024 The victim, a deputy county attorney who worked on elections, testified at Goltz’s sentencing in August that he, his wife and four children were assigned round-the-clock protection and issued body armor because of the threat, according to court records. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 This study also comes at the tail-end of a legislative session in which lawmakers attempted to cut protections from toxic PFAS chemicals, otherwise known as forever chemicals — though that bill did ultimately die. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Mar. 2024 Low amniotic fluid also means there is no cushion for protection. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 But a majority of Americans continue to support LGBTQ rights and protections in housing, employment, and public accommodation, said PRRI, a nonprofit that conducts research on religion, values and public policy. Nicole Chavez, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Today, the leaders of Law and Justice are even appealing to the West for protection, using this upside-down rhetoric to attract sympathy. Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 Lightweight hoodies like the Backcountry Men's Destination Pullover Hoodie, discounted up to 30 percent off, are also a versatile way to get more warmth and sun protection out of an outfit. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of protection was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near protection

Cite this Entry

“Protection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protection. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

protection

noun
pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən How to pronounce protection (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on protection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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