protest

[ noun proh-test; verb pruh-test, proh-test ]

noun

1. an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid:

   a protest against increased taxation.

   Antonyms: approval

2. Commerce.
   1. a formal notarial certificate attesting the fact that a check, note, or bill of exchange has been presented for acceptance or payment and that it has been refused.
   2. the action taken to fix the liability for a dishonored bill of exchange or note.
3. Law.
   1. (upon one's payment of a tax or other state or city exaction) a formal statement disputing the legality of the demand.
   2. a written and attested declaration made by the master of a ship stating the circumstances under which some damage has happened to the ship or cargo, or other circumstances involving the liability of the officers, crew, etc.
4. Sports. a formal objection or complaint made to an official.

verb (used without object)

1. to give manifest expression to objection or disapproval; remonstrate.

   Synonyms: complain

   Antonyms: approve

2. to make solemn or earnest declaration.

   Synonyms: attest, aver, avow, asseverate

verb (used with object)

1. to make a protest or remonstrance against; object to.
2. to say in protest or remonstrance.
3. to declare solemnly or earnestly; affirm; assert.
4. to make a formal declaration of the nonacceptance or nonpayment of (a bill of exchange or note).
5. Obsolete. to call to witness.

protest

noun

1. 1. public, often organized, dissent or manifestation of such dissent
   2. ( as modifier )

      a protest march

2. a declaration or objection that is formal or solemn
3. an expression of disagreement or complaint

   without a squeak of protest

4. 1. a formal notarial statement drawn up on behalf of a creditor and declaring that the debtor has dishonoured a bill of exchange or promissory note
   2. the action of drawing up such a statement
   3. a formal declaration by a taxpayer disputing the legality or accuracy of his assessment
5. a statement made by the master of a vessel attesting to the circumstances in which his vessel was damaged or imperilled
6. the act of protesting
7. under protest
   having voiced objections; unwillingly

verb

1. whenintr, foll by against, at, about, etc; when tr, may take a clause as object to make a strong objection (to something, esp a supposed injustice or offence)
2. when tr, may take a clause as object to assert or affirm in a formal or solemn manner
3. when tr, may take a clause as object to put up arguments against; disagree; complain; object

   he protested that it was not his turn to wash up

   ``I'm okay,'' she protested

4. tr to object forcefully to

   leaflets protesting Dr King's murder

5. tr to declare formally that (a bill of exchange or promissory note) has been dishonoured

Derived Forms

• proˈtester, noun
• proˈtestingly, adverb
• proˈtestant, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• pro·testa·ble adjective
• pro·tester pro·testor noun
• pro·testing·ly adverb
• pro·testive adjective
• half-pro·tested adjective
• half-pro·testing adjective
• nonpro·testing adjective
• re·protest noun
• repro·test verb
• unpro·tested adjective
• unpro·testing adjective
• unpro·testing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protest¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) late Middle English protesten, from Middle French protester, from Latin prōtestārī “to declare publicly,” from prō- pro- ¹ + testārī “to testify” (derivative of testis “a witness”); noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protest¹

C14: from Latin prōtestārī to make a formal declaration, from prō- before + testārī to assert

Synonym Study

See declare.

Example Sentences

Brower himself soon resigned from the Sierra Club board in protest over what he saw as its refusal to consider immigration’s effect on population growth.

From Salon

Following the protest, English Heritage said experts had quickly removed the orange powder from the stones.

From BBC

Two people have been charged in connection with an incident in which Stonehenge was sprayed with orange powder during a Just Stop Oil protest.

From BBC

The protest took place at the ancient stone circle in June.

From BBC

“What we’re trying to do is be close enough to these young women that you can understand how, in their late teens and early 20s, they would join a paramilitary organization, believing that peaceful protest is never going to work. We want you to be there with them, but then also to see the human wreckage of their decisions,” Keefe said over breakfast in Manhattan, N.Y., where he was joined by Zetumer and director Michael Lennox.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affirm
• assert
• declare
• demonstrate
• fight
• insist
• maintain
• object
• oppose
• resist
• revolt