protest

²pro·test

verb \prə-ˈtest, ˈprō-ˌ, prō-ˈ\

Definition of PROTEST

transitive verb

1

: to make solemn declaration or affirmation of <protest my innocence>

2

: to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note)

3

: to make a statement or gesture in objection to <protested the abuses of human rights>

intransitive verb

1

: to make a protestation

2

: to make or enter a protest

— pro·test·er or pro·tes·tor \-ˈtes-tər, -ˌtes-\ noun

Examples of PROTEST

1. The victim's family protested at the judge's sentence.
2. There is no use protesting. I will not change my mind.
3. The coach protested the referee's call.
4. The decision was protested by dozens of people.
5. Students protested at the civil rights rally.
6. They were protesting against the death penalty.
7. Peace activists protested the war.
8. She protested that the law was unfair.
9. “But I'm innocent!” he protested.

Origin of PROTEST

Middle English, from Anglo-French protester, from Latin protestari, from pro- forth + testari to call to witness — more at pro-, testament

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PROTEST

Synonyms: affirm, allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, claim, purport, warrant

Antonyms: deny, gainsay

Related Words: announce, broadcast, proclaim; argue, rationalize, reason; confirm, justify, vindicate; defend, persevere, support, uphold; reaffirm, reassert

Near Antonyms: abandon; disavow, disclaim, disown, negate, negative, reject, repudiate; challenge, dispute, question; confute, disprove, rebut, refute; contradict, counter

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at assert