protest
noun
an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid.
were protesting
-
past progressiveof protest.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
They were protesting against proposed measures including unpaid increases in weekly working hours and cuts to benefits, according to IG Metall.
From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026
Those who broke up the service were protesting ICE deportations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 2, 2026
Kibasova said she laughed when she heard that people were saying that moms were protesting, like it was an insult.
From Salon ● Feb. 2, 2026
Outside Holy Cross College, in Bury, Greater Manchester, around 20 teachers were protesting on Thursday morning.
From BBC ● Nov. 28, 2024
If I were one of the people they were protesting, fresh off the boat, I would be sure I had just happened upon some community celebration, a festival of the culture.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
