protest

 

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈprəʊtɛst/
  • 1a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something: the British team lodged an official protest [mass noun]: two senior scientists resigned in protest
  • an organized public demonstration expressing strong objection to an official policy or course of action: a protest over planned pit closures [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

Pronunciation: /prəˈtɛst/
  • 1 [no object] express an objection to what someone has said or done: before Muriel could protest, he had filled both glasses
  • publicly demonstrate strong objection to an official policy or course of action: doctors and patients protested against plans to cut services at the hospital [with object]: North American the workers were protesting economic measures enacted a week earlier
  • 2 [reporting verb] declare (something) firmly and emphatically in response to doubt or 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).

Phrases

under protest

after expressing one’s objection or reluctance; unwillingly: ‘I’m only here under protest,’ Jenna said shortly

Derivatives

protestingly

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb in the sense 'make a solemn declaration'): from Old French protester, from Latin protestari, from pro- 'forth, publicly' + testari 'assert' (from testis 'witness')