noun
protection
pruh-TEHKSHN
noun
1
The act of keeping someone or something safe, or the state of being safe.
"The fence offers protection from strong winds."
"Sunscreen gives your skin protection against UV rays."
2
Money extorted by criminals in exchange for supposedly preventing harm to a business.
"Local shop owners were forced to pay protection to the gang."
3
Trade restrictions designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition.
"The government introduced tariffs as protection for domestic farmers."
How to Use Protection
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKeeping something safe from harm, whether that's a person, a business, or a whole industry.
Common pairings
legal protection
protection from
consumer protection
Word Forms
protections plural
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The fence offers _____ from strong winds.
Etymology
From Old French, from Late Latin prōtēctiō, "a covering over," built on the same root as protect.