Synonyms of protection
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
5
6
: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two timber companies own some of the remaining forest the bird uses or might use for habitat, according to the lawsuit, and do not yet have federal Habitat Conservation Plans that would lay out protections for the bird as logging occurs. Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 After coming into power, the Malian military junta expelled French forces from the country in 2022, citing protection of national sovereignty and a worsening security crisis. ABC News, 31 July 2026 As Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections wind down, the Haitian Consulate in Miami is urging Haitian and even Haitian Americans to stop by and get a Haitian passport as soon as possible. Tania Francois, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Better yet, the SPF 40 formula streamlines your routine by combining complexion coverage and sun protection in one step. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for protection

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of protection was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protection. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

protection

noun
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

Legal Definition

protection

noun
pro·​tec·​tion
1
: the act of protecting : the state of being protected
entitled to constitutional protection
2
a
: one that protects
b
: supervision or support of one having less power
protection of endangered species
3
: the freeing of the producers of goods of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (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
5
: coverage for loss provided by insurance

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