protection

[pruh-tek-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of protecting or the state of being protected; preservation from injury or harm.

   Synonyms: safety, refuge, security

2. a thing, person, or group that protects.

   This vaccine is a protection against disease.

   Synonyms: bulwark, shield, defense, guard

3. patronage.

   Synonyms: sponsorship, aegis

4. Insurance.,  coverage.

5. Informal.

   1. money paid to racketeers for a guarantee against threatened violence.

   2. bribe money paid to the police, politicians, or other authorities for overlooking criminal activity.

6. Economics.,  protectionism.

7. a document that assures safety from harm, delay, or the like, for the person, persons, or property specified in it.

   Synonyms: permit, pass

8. Archaic.,  a document given by the U.S. customs authorities to a sailor traveling abroad certifying that the holder is a citizen of the U.S.

protection

/ prəˈtɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of protecting or the condition of being protected

2. something that protects

3. 1. the imposition of duties or quotas on imports, designed for the protection of domestic industries against overseas competition, expansion of domestic employment, etc

   2. Also called: protectionism. the system, policy, or theory of such restrictions Compare free trade

4. a document that grants protection or immunity from arrest or harassment to a person, esp a traveller

5. mountaineering security on a climb provided by running belays, etc

6. informal

   1. Also called: protection money. money demanded by gangsters for freedom from molestation

   2. freedom from molestation purchased in this way

Other Word Forms

• protectional adjective
• nonprotection noun
• overprotection noun
• protectionist noun
• protectionism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of protection¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English proteccio(u)n, from Late Latin prōtēctiōn-, stem of prōtēctiō “shelter,” literally, “a covering in front”; equivalent to protect + -ion

Synonym Study

See cover.

Example Sentences

Several officials, including the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have talked about Ukraine getting Article 5-style protection, meaning the US would be bound to come to its defence if Russia ever invaded again.

Read more on BBC

The department argues sheltering in place, although far from guaranteeing survival, eliminates the risk of residents getting trapped on roadways, unable to see, with almost no protection.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Global wildlife talks open Monday, with debates set to take on questions ranging from protection of sharks, a bid to allow limited rhino horn sales and a push to restrict the trade in eels.

Read more on Barron's

Palau, according to environmental protection organisations, was not ready for mass tourism.

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They believe the bill exposes them to investigations and potential prosecutions, as may happen over Clonoe, and question the protections the government have said will apply.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• conservation 
• insurance 
• preservation 
• safeguard 
• safety 
• security 
• shelter 
• stability