protection

 
Pronunciation: /prəˈtɛkʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of protecting, or the state of being protected: the B vitamins give protection against infection his son was put under police protection
  • a person or thing that protects someone or something: the castle was built as protection against the Saxons [in singular]: a protection against the evil eye
  • [count noun] (usually protections) a legal or other formal measure intended to preserve civil liberties and rights: most Western countries provide constitutional protections for the civil and political rights of their citizens
  • [count noun] a document guaranteeing immunity from harm to the person specified in it.
  • the practice of paying money to criminals so as to prevent them from attacking oneself or one’s property: [as modifier]: a protection racket protection money
  • protection money paid to criminals, especially on a regular basis.
  • Climbing the number and quality of running belays or other equipment employed to safeguard a pitch: most European climbers drill bolts into rock rather than using removable protection

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, from late Latin protectio(n-), from protegere 'cover in front' (see protect)