protest

[ noun proh-test; verb pruh-test, proh-test ]

noun

1. an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid:

   a protest against increased taxation.

   Antonyms: approval

2. Commerce.
   1. a formal notarial certificate attesting the fact that a check, note, or bill of exchange has been presented for acceptance or payment and that it has been refused.
   2. the action taken to fix the liability for a dishonored bill of exchange or note.
3. Law.
   1. (upon one's payment of a tax or other state or city exaction) a formal statement disputing the legality of the demand.
   2. a written and attested declaration made by the master of a ship stating the circumstances under which some damage has happened to the ship or cargo, or other circumstances involving the liability of the officers, crew, etc.
4. Sports. a formal objection or complaint made to an official.

verb (used without object)

1. to give manifest expression to objection or disapproval; remonstrate.

   Synonyms: complain

   Antonyms: approve

2. to make solemn or earnest declaration.

   Synonyms: attest, aver, avow, asseverate

verb (used with object)

1. to make a protest or remonstrance against; object to.
2. to say in protest or remonstrance.
3. to declare solemnly or earnestly; affirm; assert.
4. to make a formal declaration of the nonacceptance or nonpayment of (a bill of exchange or note).
5. Obsolete. to call to witness.

protest

noun

1. 1. public, often organized, dissent or manifestation of such dissent
   2. ( as modifier )

      a protest march

2. a declaration or objection that is formal or solemn
3. an expression of disagreement or complaint

   without a squeak of protest

4. 1. a formal notarial statement drawn up on behalf of a creditor and declaring that the debtor has dishonoured a bill of exchange or promissory note
   2. the action of drawing up such a statement
   3. a formal declaration by a taxpayer disputing the legality or accuracy of his assessment
5. a statement made by the master of a vessel attesting to the circumstances in which his vessel was damaged or imperilled
6. the act of protesting
7. under protest
   under protest having voiced objections; unwillingly

verb

1. whenintr, foll by against, at, about, etc; when tr, may take a clause as object to make a strong objection (to something, esp a supposed injustice or offence)
2. when tr, may take a clause as object to assert or affirm in a formal or solemn manner
3. when tr, may take a clause as object to put up arguments against; disagree; complain; object

   he protested that it was not his turn to wash up

   ``I'm okay,'' she protested

4. tr to object forcefully to

   leaflets protesting Dr King's murder

5. tr to declare formally that (a bill of exchange or promissory note) has been dishonoured

Derived Forms

• proˈtestant, adjectivenoun
• proˈtester, noun
• proˈtestingly, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·testa·ble adjective
• pro·tester pro·testor noun
• pro·testing·ly adverb
• pro·testive adjective
• half-pro·tested adjective
• half-pro·testing adjective
• nonpro·testing adjective
• re·protest noun
• repro·test verb
• unpro·tested adjective
• unpro·testing adjective
• unpro·testing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protest¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) late Middle English protesten, from Middle French protester, from Latin prōtestārī “to declare publicly,” from prō- pro- ¹ + testārī “to testify” (derivative of testis “a witness”); noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protest¹

C14: from Latin prōtestārī to make a formal declaration, from prō- before + testārī to assert

Synonym Study

See declare.

Example Sentences

Police, their representatives and supporters tell us, ensure our freedom of speech through our ability to protest.

From The Daily Beast

Yet even after the funeral protest, de Blasio was booed and heckled while addressing a new class of recruits as well.

From The Daily Beast

The Moscow protest was not sanctioned, which meant every participant risked arrest.

From The Daily Beast

For now, Sabrine continues her daily routine of visits to the protest camp, to political leaders and taking care of the twins.

From The Daily Beast

His hunger strike in December 2011 received nation-wide recognition and was one of the sparks that ignited the protest movement.

From The Daily Beast

The lovers got up, with only a silent protest, and walked slowly away somewhere else.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course I had to satisfy the ruffian's insolent demands, but I did so under protest.

From Project Gutenberg

The weapons, the most unusual weapons, we are reluctantly compelled to accept under protest.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Mr. Holmes started to protest, but Aaron Kallaberger quieted him with an offering of tobacco.

From Project Gutenberg

But you may cynically remind me that nothing will come of the Determinists' protest against the evil social conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affirm
• assert
• declare
• demonstrate
• fight
• insist
• maintain
• object
• oppose
• resist
• revolt