protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən 

1

: the act of protecting : the state of being protected

2

a

: one that protects

b

: supervision or support of one that is smaller and weaker

c

: a contraceptive device (such as a condom)

3

: the freeing of the producers of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (such as high duties) on foreign competitive goods

4

a

: immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery

b

: money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association

5

: coverage sense 1a

6

: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing

Synonyms

• aegis
• egis
• ammunition
• armor
• buckler
• cover
• defense
• guard
• safeguard
• screen
• security
• shield
• wall
• ward

Examples of protection in a Sentence

He fights for the protection of the environment.

Hard hats provide protection for the workers' heads.

The witness was placed under police protection.

Recent Examples on the Web

Opponents slanted their protections toward him all season. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

The workshop aims to see a paradigm shift from reactive and fear-based protection to one where safety is regarded as an everyday practice rooted in awareness, communication, and self-trust. —William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

If slicking yourself up in sticky sunblock isn’t the ideal start to your day, shoppers have turned us on to a best-selling new shirt on Amazon that’s stylish enough for everyday wear, but packed with UPF 50 sun protection to keep sensitive skin safe from harm. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025

According to Apple, the hearing protection feature is currently available only with AirPods Pro 2 running the latest firmware, when paired with an Apple device running the latest OS, in the U.S. and Canada. —Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing protection

• cathodic protection
• equal protection
• extreme risk protection order
• personal protection equipment
• self-protection
• sun protection factor

Rhymes for protection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

Kids Definition

protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən 

1

a

: the act of protecting

under our protection

b

: the state of being protected

the open boat offered no protection from the weather

2

: a person or thing that protects

Legal Definition

protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion

1

: the act of protecting : the state of being protected

entitled to constitutional protection

2

a

: one that protects

b

: supervision or support of one having less power

protection of endangered species

3

: the freeing of the producers of goods of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (as high duties) on foreign competitive goods

4

a

: immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery

b

: money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association

5

: coverage for loss provided by insurance