protest

noun

• 1a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something:the Hungarian team lodged an official protest two senior scientists resigned in protest
• an organized public demonstration expressing strong objection to a policy or course of action adopted by those in authority: [as modifier]:a protest march

• 2 Law a written declaration, typically by a notary public, that a bill has been presented and payment or acceptance refused.

verb

• 1 [no object] express an objection to what someone has said or done:she wouldn’t let him pay, and he didn’t protest
• publicly demonstrate strong objection to a policy or course of action adopted by those in authority:doctors and patients protested against plans to cut services at the hospital
• [with object] North American publicly demonstrate an objection to (a policy or course of action):the workers were protesting economic measures enacted a week earlier

• 2 [reporting verb] declare (something) firmly and emphatically in the face of stated or implied doubt or in response to an accusation: [with direct speech]:“I’m not being coy!” Lucy protested [with object]:she has always protested her innocence

• 3 [with object] Law write or obtain a protest in regard to (a bill).