protection
noun
pro·tec·tion
prə-ˈtek-shən 
1
: the act of protecting : the state of being protected
2
a
: one that protects
b
: supervision or support of one that is smaller and weaker
c
: a contraceptive device (such as a condom)
3
: the freeing of the producers of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (such as high duties) on foreign competitive goods
4
a
: immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery
b
: money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association
6
: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing
Synonyms
Examples of protection in a Sentence
He fights for the protection of the environment.
Hard hats provide protection for the workers' heads.
The witness was placed under police protection.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Trump administration’s decision Sunday leaves hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in danger of being sent back to the South American country in 60 days when the protection expires.
—
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
The law carves out protections for pregnant women who obtain the drug without a prescription to take on their own.
—Sara Cline and Geoff Mulvihill The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Along with pass protection, Dawkins and the offensive line helped block for a rushing attack that features James Cook, the league leader in rushing touchdowns with 15.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
One of President Trump’s executive orders rolled back previous protections from the Biden administration prohibiting where ICE can arrest and detain migrants.
—Danny Tow, Baltimore Sun, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for protection 
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Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
The law carves out protections for pregnant women who obtain the drug without a prescription to take on their own.
—Sara Cline and Geoff Mulvihill The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Along with pass protection, Dawkins and the offensive line helped block for a rushing attack that features James Cook, the league leader in rushing touchdowns with 15.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
One of President Trump’s executive orders rolled back previous protections from the Biden administration prohibiting where ICE can arrest and detain migrants.
—Danny Tow, Baltimore Sun, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for protection
Dictionary Entries Near protection
Cite this Entry
“Protection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protection. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
protection
noun
pro·tec·tion
prə-ˈtek-shən
1
a
: the act of protecting
under our protection
b
: the state of being protected
the open boat offered no protection from the weather
2
: a person or thing that protects
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