protest
PROH-tehst
Protest (verb) means to express strong objection to something. Example: “Residents protested against the new motorway.”
verb
1
To express strong objection to something.
"Residents protested against the new motorway."
"She protested loudly when her order was cancelled."
"The workers protested outside the factory gates about the unfair schedule."
noun
1
A public demonstration or formal objection expressing disapproval.
"Thousands joined the protest outside parliament."
"The students organised a peaceful protest against the closing of their library."
"She made a quiet protest by refusing to clap at the end."
How to use protest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo object strongly to something, or a public event where people gather to express that objection.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
stage a protest
protest against
protest march
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Word forms
- Plural
- protests
- Third person singular
- protests
- Past tense
- protested
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Residents _____ against the new motorway.
Etymology
From Old French protester, from Latin prōtestārī, built from prō- ("forth") plus testor ("to testify"), from testis, "witness."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “protest” mean?
The word “protest” means to express strong objection to something. In plain terms, to object strongly to something, or a public event where people gather to express that objection.
How do you pronounce “protest”?
“Protest” is pronounced PROH-tehst (/ˈpɹoʊ.tɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “protest” in a sentence?
Here is “protest” used in a sentence: “Residents protested against the new motorway.”
What is another word for “protest”?
Words with a similar meaning to “protest” include dissent, objection and protestation.
What part of speech is “protest”?
Depending on how it is used, “protest” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “protest” come from?
The word “protest” comes from Latin. From Old French protester, from Latin prōtestārī, built from prō- ("forth") plus testor ("to testify"), from testis, "witness.".
Is “protest” a common word?
“Protest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “protest” have?
“Protest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to express strong objection to something.
What is the difference between protest and complain?
Both express dissatisfaction, but protest is stronger and more public. To complain is to voice displeasure, often privately or over minor matters. To protest is to register firm, deliberate objection, usually against something you consider wrong or unjust, and often openly — through statements, action, or organised demonstration.
What is an example of protesting?
You protest when you strongly object to something — for instance, writing to an official to oppose a policy, refusing to accept an unfair decision, or joining a march against a proposed law. Even saying 'I protest — this isn't right' at a meeting is a small act of protest.
Is 'protest' a positive or negative word?
It is neutral in itself — it simply means to object strongly, and whether that reads as positive or negative depends on the cause and your viewpoint. Protest is often seen as a legitimate, even admirable, exercise of free expression, though those being opposed may naturally regard it less favourably.
What is the difference between protest and riot?
A protest is an expression of strong objection, and is typically peaceful and lawful. A riot is a violent, disorderly public disturbance. A protest can spill over into a riot if it turns chaotic and destructive, but the two are distinct: one voices dissent, the other involves force and disorder.
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