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
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.
Since applicants go through the renewal process every two years, immigration experts say that those with active status have already been screened by the government and given protection from deportation. Armando Garcia, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025 Real-time reconciliation, clear disclosures, and strong consumer protections must be part of the product, not afterthoughts. Aj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The council voted down possible last-minute changes to the deal that the Commanders opposed, including stricter environmental building standards and more protection for historic trees on the site. Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025 Herd immunity only holds when protection is so high throughout an entire population that contagious illnesses are virtually unable to spread. Jamie Ducharme, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025 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 18 Sep. 2025.

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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