protection
pruh-TEHKSHN
Protection (noun) means the act of keeping someone or something safe, or the state of being safe. Example: “Wearing a helmet gives cyclists some protection if they fall off their bikes.”
noun
1
The act of keeping someone or something safe, or the state of being safe.
"Wearing a helmet gives cyclists some protection if they fall off their bikes."
"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.
"In the film, the gangster demanded protection money from every café on the street."
"The owner refused to pay protection, so the gang kept threatening his restaurant."
"Local shop owners were forced to pay protection to the gang."
3
Trade restrictions designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition.
"Some economists argue that protection of local industries makes goods more expensive for shoppers."
"The country kept its steel makers going through protection against cheaper imports."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- protections
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Wearing a helmet gives cyclists some _____ if they fall off their bikes.
Etymology
From Old French, from Late Latin prōtēctiō, "a covering over," built on the same root as protect.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for protection
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for protection →
Frequently asked questions
What does “protection” mean?
The word “protection” means the act of keeping someone or something safe, or the state of being safe. In plain terms, keeping something safe from harm, whether that's a person, a business, or a whole industry.
How do you pronounce “protection”?
“Protection” is pronounced pruh-TEHKSHN (/pɹəˈtɛkʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “protection” in a sentence?
Here is “protection” used in a sentence: “The fence offers protection from strong winds.”
What part of speech is “protection”?
“Protection” is a noun.
Where does the word “protection” come from?
The word “protection” comes from Late Latin. From Old French, from Late Latin prōtēctiō, "a covering over," built on the same root as protect.
Is “protection” a common word?
“Protection” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “protection” have?
“Protection” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of keeping someone or something safe, or the state of being safe.
What is the difference between 'protection' and 'defense'?
Protection means keeping something safe by shielding it from harm — often preventive, like a helmet protecting your head. Defense means actively resisting or repelling an attack once it comes. Protection is the shield; defense is fighting back. The two work together but describe different responses to danger.
What are the types of protection?
Protection takes many forms. Physical protection shields the body, like armour or a barrier. Legal protection guards rights through laws. Financial protection, such as insurance, covers against loss. Data protection keeps personal information secure. Each type shares the same aim: keeping someone or something safe from a specific kind of harm.
Why is protection important?
Protection matters because it prevents harm before it happens, preserving safety, health, property, and rights. Without it, people and things are left exposed to danger, loss, or attack. Whether physical, legal, or financial, protection provides security and peace of mind, allowing people to act with confidence rather than fear.
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