Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of protecting or the state of being kept safe from harm, damage, or loss: "Protection" refers to the action of defending or guarding someone or something, or the condition of being defended.
   • A thing or person that provides defense or safety: "Protection" can also refer to a specific person, object, or measure that serves as a shield or safeguard.
   • Legal or formal defense, guardianship, or sponsorship: In formal contexts, "protection" can mean official guardianship, endorsement, or the system of imposing tariffs to shield domestic industries.
   • Payment extorted by threats: In a specific criminal context, "protection" refers to money demanded, often by gangsters, in exchange for not causing harm or damage.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • They were huddled together for protection from the storm. (They gathered closely to stay safe from the storm.)
  • Wax provided protection for the wooden floors. (Wax acted as a shield to prevent damage to the floors.)
  • The witnesses demanded police protection. (The witnesses asked for safety measures from the police.)
  • He made trade protection a key part of the party's platform. (He advocated for policies to defend domestic industries from foreign competition.)
  • Every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection. (Each store was forced to give him money to avoid violence.)

Advanced Usage

• "Under the protection of": Being defended or sponsored by a person, group, or authority.
  • The tournament was held under the protection of the city council. (The city council sponsored and oversaw the tournament.)
• "Protection against/from": Used to specify the threat or danger that is being guarded against.
  • This insurance offers protection against loss of income due to illness. (This insurance provides financial safety in case you cannot work because of sickness.)
• "Take someone under one's protection": To formally assume responsibility for someone's safety and well-being.
  • The noble family took the orphan under their protection.

Variants and Related Words

• Protective (adj): Intended to provide protection; having the quality of guarding.
  • She has a very protective older brother.
• Protector (n): A person or thing that protects someone or something.
  • He saw himself as the protector of his community.
• Protect (v): To keep safe from harm or injury; to defend.
  • Laws exist to protect citizens' rights.

Synonyms

• Defense: The action of defending from or resisting attack.
• Security: The state of being free from danger or threat.
• Safeguard: A measure taken to protect someone or something.
• Shelter: A place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger.

Related Phrases

• Protection racket: A criminal scheme where money is extorted from businesses in exchange for "protection" against violence that the criminals themselves threaten to carry out.
  • The gang was convicted for running a protection racket.
• Consumer protection: Laws and organizations designed to ensure fair trade and safeguard buyers from fraud.
  • The new agency focuses on consumer protection.

Related Idioms

• A safe harbor: A place or situation that provides protection from trouble or danger. (While not using "protection," it conveys a similar idea of safety.)
  • His home was a safe harbor from the stresses of work.
• To take cover: To seek shelter or protection, especially from an immediate threat.
  • When the siren sounded, everyone ran to take cover.

Noun

1. payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence
   • every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection
2. the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition
   • he made trade protection a plank in the party platform
3. kindly endorsement and guidance
   • the tournament was held under the auspices of the city council
4. the condition of being protected
   • they were huddled together for protection
   • he enjoyed a sense of peace and protection in his new home
5. defense against financial failure; financial independence
   • his pension gave him security in his old age
   • insurance provided protection against loss of wages due to illness
6. a covering that is intend to protect from damage or injury
   • they had no protection from the fallout
   • wax provided protection for the floors
7. the activity of protecting someone or something
   • the witnesses demanded police protection