protection
Pluralprotections (some meanings)
- 1Keeping someone or something safe, or being safe from harm.
Like an umbrella that keeps the rain off you.
The protection of young children is every parent's main job.
Soldiers were responsible for the protection of the town.
UsageSay protection from or against danger, and the protection of people or things.
Similardefense
Note
- 2
- 3Something, such as a condom, used to stop pregnancy or disease during sex.
They always use protection to stay safe.
The clinic hands out free protection to teenagers.
UsageUsually use protection, a polite way to say use a condom.
Similarcontraception
- 4The financial help an insurance policy provides for losses or risks it covers.
Like a safety net that catches you if you fall.
This plan offers protection if your car is stolen.
Their insurance gives them protection against flood damage.
UsageA plan gives you protection against something bad, like theft.
Similarcoverage, cover, insurance
Note
- 5Safety from harm that a criminal sells in return for money.
Like paying a bully so he will not break your things.
The gang forced shop owners to pay for protection.
He paid the local boss for protection every month.
UsageUsually pay for protection. A protection racket is a gang's way of getting this money.
Less common meanings
- 6Rules that protect a country's businesses by limiting competition from foreign goods or services.
Like a wall that keeps cheaper goods from other countries out, so local shops stay busy.
The new tariffs gave protection to local farmers.
Without protection, small factories could not compete with cheap imports.
UsageSay protection for an industry. The idea behind it is protectionism.
Similarprotectionism
Note
- 7A polite term for pads or special underwear adults wear when they cannot fully control their bladder or bowels.
Grandpa wears bladder protection under his pants when he goes out.
The store sells pads and other protection for adults with bladder leaks.
UsageSay bladder protection or adult protection, because protection alone often means condoms.
Note
- 8An official paper that kept the holder safe from harm while traveling.
Note
- 9A security setting that controls who or what can use a file or other computer resource.
Practice
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Origin
It came into Middle English through Old French, from Latin words meaning "to cover in front" or "protect."
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Protection entered Middle English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org
- Its ultimate Latin source meant to cover in front or protect. en.wiktionary.org