1 [noncount] : the state of being kept from harm, loss, etc. : the state of being protected
▪ He fights for the protection of the environment. ▪ Hard hats provide protection for the workers' heads. ▪ The witness was placed under police protection. — often + against ▪ The ointment offers protection against infection. — often + from ▪ The law ensures your protection from illegal searches. 2 : something that keeps a person or thing from being harmed, lost, etc. : something that protects someone or something [count] ▪ legal protections — often + against ▪ protections against sexual harassment — often + from ▪ She used her briefcase as a protection from the rain. [noncount] — often + against ▪ She used her briefcase as protection against the rain. — often + from ▪ The rabbit's white fur serves as protection from predators during the winter. 3 [noncount] : a device (such as a condom) that is used during sex to prevent pregnancy or the spread of diseases
▪ Do you have protection? 4 [noncount] : insurance against financial loss caused by fire, injury, damage, etc. — often + against ▪ The policy offers complete protection against fire and theft. 5 [noncount] : a situation in which people (such as store owners) pay money to criminals so that the criminals will not hurt them or damage their property
▪ His store was burned down because he refused to pay for protection. — often used before another noun ▪ protection money ▪ a protection racket