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 of protection

• defense
• safeguard
• ammunition
• shield
• wall

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

However, many legal analysts believe the justices will not overturn the precedent, and some additional legal protections for same-sex married couples were passed into federal law in 2022. —Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

Since she was elected in July, the President has prioritized the protection of Indigenous and tribal lands, economic diversification, and responsible forest management. —Erin McMullen, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

The conservation status of Salvin’s albatross is considered nationally critical, but with such a wide geographic range, many countries contribute to their protection around the world. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025

The Starbucks Workers United is fighting for a new contract that delivers improved staffing hours, take-home pay, and on-the-job protections for baristas. —Amelia Lucas,kate Rogers, CNBC, 5 Nov. 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