protest

noun

pro·test | \ ˈprō-ˌtest

Definition of protest

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent: such as

a : a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage

b : a declaration made especially before or while paying that a tax is illegal and that payment is not voluntary

2 : the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval resigned in protest especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval

3 : a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usually to an idea or a course of action went under protest

4 : an objection made to an official or a governing body of a sport

protest

verb

pro·test | \ prə-ˈtest

, ˈprō-ˌtest, prō-ˈtest\

protested; protesting; protests

Definition of protest (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to make solemn declaration or affirmation of protest my innocence

2 : to execute or have executed a formal protest against (something, such as a bill or note)

3 : to make a statement or gesture in objection to protested the abuses of human rights

intransitive verb

1 : to make a protestation

2 : to make or enter a protest

Other Words from protest Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about protest

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Choose the Right Synonym for protest

Verb

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. asserted that modern music is just noise declare stresses open or public statement. declared her support for the candidate affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. affirmed the existence of an afterlife protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. protested that he really had been misquoted avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Examples of protest in a Sentence

Noun

He heard protests from the crowd. She told him to go to bed despite his protests that he wasn't tired. There were cries of protest when the verdict was announced. The suspect surrendered his gun without protest. She was so upset by their decision that she resigned in protest. The students launched a protest against the tuition increase.

Verb

The victim's family protested at the judge's sentence. There is no use protesting. I will not change my mind. The coach protested the referee's call. The decision was protested by dozens of people. Students protested at the civil rights rally. They were protesting against the death penalty. Peace activists protested the war. She protested that the law was unfair. “But I'm innocent!” he protested.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

However, the visit was also greeted by mass protests on the streets of London. — The Economist, "Politics this week," 8 June 2019 Hope has not died,’ say Chinese dissidents The Tiananmen massacre of 1989 did more than quell protests; the ensuing crackdown froze China’s pro-democracy movement for years to come. — Christian Science Monitor, "World | Asia Pacific," 7 June 2019 The use of the word and student’s suspension sparked protests and media coverage. — Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Greendale High School officials take down a student's art piece on racism, saying it could create a disruption," 7 June 2019 It was rumored to be the largest campus protest since the Vietnam walkouts of the 1970s. — Chloe Watlington, The New Republic, "The Labor Movement’s Newest Warriors: Grad Students," 6 June 2019 The Lorax is hosting a protest Friday night at 5 p.m. against the plan. — Maia Anderson, Cincinnati.com, "Fate of four Lytle Park trees at issue in Downtown Cincinnati development fight," 6 June 2019 In past years, the work has included monitoring occasional protests at the grove’s entrance. — Taylor Kate Brown, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Briefing: Trump move ends HIV research partnership at UCSF," 6 June 2019 That incident triggered protests, threats of boycotts, and eventually prompted the Philadelphia Police Department to announce a new policy on how to confront people accused of trespassing on private property. — Alexandra Olson, chicagotribune.com, "An hour without Sephora: Beauty retailer closes all U.S. stores today for 'inclusion workshops'," 5 June 2019 Large protests were seen during the trip, which has mixed the pomp of of a Buckingham Palace banquet and other ceremonial events with political meetings. — PEOPLE.com, "Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles Join Donald and Melania Trump for D-Day Event," 5 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Nationwide demonstrations will be held Tuesday to protest Zardari's arrest and an emergency consultative meeting of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will be held to discuss his legal options, party spokesman Murtaza Wahab said. — Bianca Britton, CNN, "Former Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari arrested on corruption charges," 10 June 2019 Anthony Kwan/Getty Images Hundreds of thousands of people — perhaps even more than 1 million — took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, to protest a government bill that would open the door to criminal extraditions to mainland China. — Eric Kleefeld, Vox, "Hundreds of thousands attend protest in Hong Kong over extradition bill," 9 June 2019 Meanwhile, the volunteers who had locked themselves inside the station for two months to protest the dissolution have now voluntarily left and the county has changed the locks. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Court rules in county’s favor, strikes blow to Julian volunteer firefighters," 8 June 2019 On May 21st peasants in house dresses and ranchero hats picketed the halls of congress to protest against an attempt by Arena and the FMLN to pass a new amnesty law. — The Economist, "El Salvador stops honouring the leader of the El Mozote massacre," 8 June 2019 While some were disappointed to see the elephants go, others continued to protest the circus’ use of lions, tigers, horses, kangaroos and other animals. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "A German Circus Uses Stunning Holograms Instead of Live Animal Performers," 7 June 2019 Despite South County residents packing the council’s January meeting to protest the regulation, the ordinance was passed by a 5-2 vote. — Craig Lyons, Post-Tribune, "Lake council seeks clarity on rules for shooting ranges, gun clubs," 6 June 2019 Shortly after the billboard went up, women’s rights groups in Salt Lake City, including the local chapter of NOW and the YWCA, began to protest it. — Dvorameyers, Longreads, "The Gymnast’s Position," 5 June 2019 Van Roy got the tattoo to protest 83-year-old French actor Alain Delon, who received a lifetime achievement award of Honorary Palme d'Or at this year's film festival. — Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, "Why Everyone Is Talking About Sand Van Roy's Stunning Feminist Tattoo at Cannes," 21 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'protest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for protest

Noun

Middle English, from protester

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French protester, from Latin protestari, from pro- forth + testari to call to witness — more at pro-, testament

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Dictionary Entries near protest

Statistics for protest

Last Updated

12 Jun 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for protest

The first known use of protest was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for protest

protest

noun

English Language Learners Definition of protest

(Entry 1 of 2)

: something said or done that shows disagreement with or disapproval of something

: an event at which people gather together to show strong disapproval about something

protest

verb

English Language Learners Definition of protest (Entry 2 of 2)

: to show or express strong disagreement with or disapproval of something

: to show or express strong disapproval of something at a public event with other people

: to say (something that other people do not agree with or believe) in a forceful way

See the full definition for protest in the English Language Learners Dictionary

protest

verb

pro·test | \ prə-ˈtest

protested; protesting

Kids Definition of protest

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to complain strongly about : object to Fans protested the umpire's decision.

2 : to declare positively : assert He protested his innocence.

protest

noun

pro·test | \ ˈprō-ˌtest

Kids Definition of protest (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a complaint or objection against an idea, an act, or a way of doing things

2 : an event in which people gather to show disapproval of something

protest

Medical Definition of protest

— see masculine protest

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protest

noun

pro·test

Legal Definition of protest

1 : a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of disagreement: as

a : a solemn written declaration by a notary public or U.S. consul on behalf of the holder of an instrument (as a note) announcing dishonor and declaring the liability of all parties to the instrument for any loss or damage arising from such action also : the action of making or causing to be made such a declaration with due service of notice of dishonor

b : a declaration made by the master of a ship before a notary, consul, or other authorized officer upon arrival in port after a disaster declaring that any loss was not the fault of the crew but due to the disaster

c : a declaration made by a party especially before or while paying a tax or performing a demanded act by which the declarer asserts that the justice or legality of the tax or act is disputed and that compliance is not voluntary

2 : the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval

under protest

: with noted objections (as of insufficient payment) and claims cashed a check under protest