protest

[proh-test, pruh-test, proh-test]

noun

1. an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid.

   a protest against increased taxation.

   Antonyms: approval

2. Commerce.

   1. a formal notarial certificate attesting the fact that a check, note, or bill of exchange has been presented for acceptance or payment and that it has been refused.

   2. the action taken to fix the liability for a dishonored bill of exchange or note.

3. Law.

   1. (upon one's payment of a tax or other state or city exaction) a formal statement disputing the legality of the demand.

   2. a written and attested declaration made by the master of a ship stating the circumstances under which some damage has happened to the ship or cargo, or other circumstances involving the liability of the officers, crew, etc.

4. Sports.,  a formal objection or complaint made to an official.

verb (used without object)

1. to give manifest expression to objection or disapproval; remonstrate.

   Synonyms: complain
   Antonyms: approve

2. to make solemn or earnest declaration.

   Synonyms: attest, aver, avow, asseverate

verb (used with object)

1. to make a protest or remonstrance against; object to.

2. to say in protest or remonstrance.

3. to declare solemnly or earnestly; affirm; assert.

4. to make a formal declaration of the nonacceptance or nonpayment of (a bill of exchange or note).

5. Obsolete.,  to call to witness.

protest

noun

1. 1. public, often organized, dissent or manifestation of such dissent

   2. ( as modifier )

      a protest march

2. a declaration or objection that is formal or solemn

3. an expression of disagreement or complaint

   without a squeak of protest

4. 1. a formal notarial statement drawn up on behalf of a creditor and declaring that the debtor has dishonoured a bill of exchange or promissory note

   2. the action of drawing up such a statement

   3. a formal declaration by a taxpayer disputing the legality or accuracy of his assessment

5. a statement made by the master of a vessel attesting to the circumstances in which his vessel was damaged or imperilled

6. the act of protesting

7. having voiced objections; unwillingly

verb

1. to make a strong objection (to something, esp a supposed injustice or offence)

2. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to assert or affirm in a formal or solemn manner

3. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to put up arguments against; disagree; complain; object

   ``I'm okay,'' she protested

   he protested that it was not his turn to wash up

4. (tr) to object forcefully to

   leaflets protesting Dr King's murder

5. (tr) to declare formally that (a bill of exchange or promissory note) has been dishonoured

Other Word Forms

• protester noun
• protestingly adverb
• protestant adjective
• protestable adjective
• protestor noun
• protestive adjective
• half-protested adjective
• half-protesting adjective
• nonprotesting adjective
• reprotest verb
• unprotested adjective
• unprotesting adjective
• unprotestingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protest¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) late Middle English protesten, from Middle French protester, from Latin prōtestārī “to declare publicly,” from prō- pro- ¹ + testārī “to testify” (derivative of testis “a witness”); noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protest¹

C14: from Latin prōtestārī to make a formal declaration, from prō- before + testārī to assert

Synonym Study

See declare.

Example Sentences

The former vice president was often interrupted by protesters during campaign events and the uncommitted movement, a progressive protest campaign aimed at achieving a ceasefire, ultimately decided not to endorse her.

From Salon

Support for Reform might be thought to be simply a protest vote by an electorate fed up with slow growth, an ailing health service, and high levels of immigration.

From BBC

On Wednesday, a coalition of student unions met with lawmakers and demanded an independent investigation into the police violence, portending further protests.

From Los Angeles Times

It manifested itself with regular protests outside games, with one prominent banner delivering a nod to legendary former captain Danny Blanchflower's famous phrase.

From BBC

On Saturday in Venice, a large protest gathered on the Lido in support of the Palestinians and to denounce Israel's actions in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

• affirm 
• assert 
• declare 
• demonstrate 
• fight 
• insist 
• maintain 
• object 
• oppose 
• resist 
• revolt 

When To Use

What does protest mean?

Protest most commonly means a public show of disapproval of or opposition to something.Protests are often held against things like a nation’s involvement in a war or specific government policies or forms of injustice.A close synonym is demonstration. Such protests are often held in public spaces by people who want to display their disapproval openly in order to bring awareness to their cause and put pressure on authorities to make changes.A person who participates in a protest can be called a protester or a protestor. (The -er spelling is much more common, but the -or spelling has increased in usage.)Protest is often used as a verb meaning to participate in a protest. It can also be used as a verb in a more general way meaning to show disapproval or disagreement, as in My kids always protest when I try to serve them vegetables, but they end up eating them. Sometimes, protest might refer to an official complaint or objection, as in They lodged an official protest. This sense can also be used as a verb, as in The team protested their loss with the league, claiming unfair treatment by referees. To resign in protest means to quit in a way that’s meant to show disagreement or disapproval of something that’s happened. To do something under protest means to do it unwillingly or with strong objections.Example: The colonists protested the increased taxes by refusing to pay them.