WordGarden.ioprotection
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prətˈɛkʃən/
US
- /prəˈtɛkʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the act or state of keeping someone or something safe from harm, loss, or damage
legal or official safeguarding of rights, people, or property
insurance or financial coverage against loss, damage, illness, or death
More meaningsFewer meanings
(informal)a condom used during sex to prevent pregnancy or infection
state measures such as tariffs meant to shield domestic industry from foreign competition
a criminal arrangement in which payment buys supposed safety from harm or interference
Beyond the definition
Protection is about keeping someone or something safe from harm, danger, loss, or damage. You can see it in simple, everyday ways: a mother hen keeping her chicks safe, a strong roof keeping out the rain, or laws keeping your rights safe.
People provide protection by building walls, giving support, or watching out for danger. A bodyguard gives physical protection, while insurance gives financial protection. Sometimes it means stopping harm before it happens, like wearing a helmet while biking. The word can also be used in a wider sense, such as giving someone emotional protection during a hard time.
Protection encompasses the measures taken to defend against danger, harm, or loss. It's a fundamental need for all living things and appears in countless ways throughout our lives. From the biological - like your skin protecting you from infection - to the social - like police helping keep the public safe - protection is woven into everyday existence.
The concept extends beyond physical safety. We talk about intellectual property needing protection through copyright laws, or a country seeking trade protection through tariffs. Emotional well-being also relies on protection; building strong relationships can offer a sense of security and emotional support.
Historically, "protection" was often linked to feudal systems where lords offered protection to vassals in exchange for service. Today, it's a broad term used across many fields - from cybersecurity (protecting data) to environmental conservation (protecting ecosystems). You might say a witness is under police protection, or that a rainforest needs urgent protection from deforestation.
Ultimately, protection isn't just about avoiding bad things; it's about preserving what's valuable and supporting well-being, whether it's a person, an idea, or the planet itself. It's a proactive stance against harm and a commitment to keeping something precious safe.
Examples
- 1
Safety gear
A helmet gives your head protection in a crash.
- 2
Sunlight
These curtains provide protection from the strong afternoon sun.
- 3
Vaccination
The vaccine offers some protection against the virus.
- Patternprotection against + threat
help that reduces harm from it
- 4
Tenant rights
The new law gives tenants more protection against unfair rent increases.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Police protection
She was placed under police protection after receiving threats.
- Phraseunder police protection
being guarded by the police
- 6
Online safety
Parents often worry about online protection for their children.
- 7
Account security
Strong passwords are a basic form of protection for your bank account.
- 8
Customer data
The company has strict rules for the protection of customer data.
- Patternthe protection of + thing
keeping that thing safe
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- protection from harm
- consumer protection
- legal protection
- under the protection of
Word family
Explore
- risk management
- prevention
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- protectionnoun
Forms
- protectionspluralnoun