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
6
: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing
Synonyms
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
This set comes with three barrel sizes, a series of hair clips, and a glove for heat protection.
—
Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 4 Dec. 2023
It is also outfitted with Mips technology for ultimate protection.
—Dan Koday, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2023
However, several states, Canadian municipalities and indigenous tribes, plus more than 2,600 individuals, voted against it because of the legal protections for the Sackler family, their affiliates and related entities.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2023
While courts have afforded presidents broad immunity for their official acts, the judges made clear that that protection does not cover just any act or speech undertaken by a president.
—Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2023
The rule was originally passed in June, following a set of bills enacted in September 2021 by the city to grant sweeping protections to food couriers.
—Chris Dolmetsch, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2023
Herbert explained that the Chargers knew what Baltimore would do in that situation and took responsibility for not adjusting the protection.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023
The case set important precedent for due process protections for African Americans.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
And while medical facilities, like hospitals, can lose their protection from military attacks under certain conditions, according to experts, the law sets a high bar to justify these attacks.
—NBC News, 23 Nov. 2023
See More
Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 4 Dec. 2023
It is also outfitted with Mips technology for ultimate protection.
—Dan Koday, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2023
However, several states, Canadian municipalities and indigenous tribes, plus more than 2,600 individuals, voted against it because of the legal protections for the Sackler family, their affiliates and related entities.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2023
While courts have afforded presidents broad immunity for their official acts, the judges made clear that that protection does not cover just any act or speech undertaken by a president.
—Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2023
The rule was originally passed in June, following a set of bills enacted in September 2021 by the city to grant sweeping protections to food couriers.
—Chris Dolmetsch, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2023
Herbert explained that the Chargers knew what Baltimore would do in that situation and took responsibility for not adjusting the protection.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023
The case set important precedent for due process protections for African Americans.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
And while medical facilities, like hospitals, can lose their protection from military attacks under certain conditions, according to experts, the law sets a high bar to justify these attacks.
—NBC News, 23 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Phrases Containing protection
Dictionary Entries Near protection
Cite this Entry
“Protection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protection. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
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
More from Merriam-Webster on protection
Nglish: Translation of protection for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of protection for Arabic Speakers
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