protest
noun
an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid.
had been protesting
-
past perfect progressiveof protest.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The family of the couple said they had been protesting against how they and other prisoners were being treated.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
Instead, they were pressured to investigate Good’s partner and any connections to groups who had been protesting in the Twin Cities, The Wall Street Journal reported.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026
As night fell, the retired women and children who had been protesting outside the ICE facility went home, and more and more younger people began to take their places.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2025
Suffragists had been protesting for years about the need to include women among the voting population in numerous countries such as Britain, Germany, and the United States.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 14, 2022
All during this dreadful life of deception I had been protesting.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
