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.
Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025 Yet President Trump has also called for a massive expansion of highway construction, raising the real danger that, without protections in place, a new wave of infrastructure will repeat old patterns of destruction. Deborah N. Archer, Time, 21 May 2025 However, cybersecurity does not have to be expensive; instead, organizations can take a strategic approach to implementing cost-effective security measures that provide maximum protection. Jamie Akhtar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 The trade protection won’t matter, though, if there aren’t any takers for a defenseman whose offense has nosedived over the past two seasons. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 21 May 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 25 May. 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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