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

It also enjoys unique protections like the government bailouts that have now become routine.

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Yet after hurricanes, floods, wildfires and medical emergencies, policyholders sometimes find that the protection they are paying for is insufficient to cover their costs.

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For retirement savers, this consistency, regular interest payments and senior position in the capital structure provide a good balance between income and downside protection.

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"Extraordinary danger. Flooding and flash floods may occur. Follow the advice of civil protection," the agency wrote on X.

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In encampments such as Fort Monroe, Union forces in the Civil War were joined by thousands of African-Americans seeking liberty and protection.

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Related Words

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