protection

[ pruh-tek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of protecting or the state of being protected; preservation from injury or harm.

   Synonyms: safety, refuge, security

2. a thing, person, or group that protects:

   This vaccine is a protection against disease.

   Synonyms: bulwark, shield, defense, guard

3. patronage.

   Synonyms: sponsorship, aegis

4. Insurance. coverage ( def 1 ).
5. Informal.
   1. money paid to racketeers for a guarantee against threatened violence.
   2. bribe money paid to the police, politicians, or other authorities for overlooking criminal activity.
6. Economics. protectionism.
7. a document that assures safety from harm, delay, or the like, for the person, persons, or property specified in it.

   Synonyms: permit, pass

8. Archaic. a document given by the U.S. customs authorities to a sailor traveling abroad certifying that the holder is a citizen of the U.S.

protection

/ prəˈtɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of protecting or the condition of being protected
2. something that protects
3. 1. the imposition of duties or quotas on imports, designed for the protection of domestic industries against overseas competition, expansion of domestic employment, etc
   2. Also calledprotectionism the system, policy, or theory of such restrictions Compare free trade
4. a document that grants protection or immunity from arrest or harassment to a person, esp a traveller
5. mountaineering security on a climb provided by running belays, etc
6. informal.
   1. Also calledprotection money money demanded by gangsters for freedom from molestation
   2. freedom from molestation purchased in this way

Derived Forms

• proˈtectionist, nounadjective
• proˈtectionˌism, noun

Other Words From

• pro·tection·al adjective
• nonpro·tection noun
• over·pro·tection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of protection¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English proteccio(u)n, from Late Latin prōtēctiōn-, stem of prōtēctiō “shelter,” literally, “a covering in front”; equivalent to protect + -ion

Synonym Study

See cover.

Example Sentences

In a new study published in Nature Chemical Engineering, the team demonstrated a way to upgrade 6PPD -- a molecule that provides UV protection to help the rubber found in tires last longer -- into safe chemicals.

From Science Daily

They intend to sidestep federal union protections for employees by carrying out layoffs that don’t target specific employees.

From New York Times

They also say the tunnel would lessen limitations on water deliveries linked to fish protections at the state’s existing pumping facilities.

From Los Angeles Times

Eliasberg said public school teachers have strong 1st Amendment protections to share their political views online — expletives and all.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also important to recognize that many women are also turned off by the “protection” from their men’s “rage” that well-heeled progressives like the Obamas claim to offer.

From Salon

Related Words

• conservation
• insurance
• preservation
• safeguard
• safety
• security
• shelter
• stability