Street
protection
What does protection mean?
'Protection' is a racket in which criminals demand payment from a business in exchange for not harming it, dressed up as a security service.
"The diner paid protection so its windows wouldn't get smashed."
Origin
American organized-crime slang, early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'protection' racket?
It is an extortion scheme where criminals demand payment from a business in return for not harming it, framed as if they were selling a security service.
What are you actually paying for?
You are paying to be left alone. The 'protection' is chiefly from the very people collecting it, who threaten damage or violence if you refuse to pay.
Where does the term come from?
It comes from American organized-crime slang of the early 20th century.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
