protection

noun

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

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

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.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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