protection

noun

pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən How to pronounce protection (audio)
Synonyms of protectionnext
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
6
: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez lived in California for 27 years before being detained at her green card interview last month and deported within 24 hours, despite having active DACA protection and no criminal history. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The reset ability ensures continuous protection without the need for immediate, costly replacements following a major event. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026 When it was added to the childhood schedule, thanks to the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act and Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, it was granted complete liability protection. Lauren Arikan, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026 Last year, researchers reported one of the lowest counts of adults since the 1970s — which was not long after protections to ban the commercial whaling industry were put in place. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protection

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of protection was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protection. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

protection

noun
pro·​tec·​tion prə-ˈtek-shən How to pronounce protection (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on protection

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