protection
gb/pɹətˈɛkʃən/ us/pɹətˈɛkʃən/
A2
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
Keeping something safe from harm
When someone or something is kept safe from harm or danger.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] needs protection from [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'protection' with 'prevention'. 'Protection' means keeping safe from harm, while 'prevention' means stopping something from happening in the first place.
Synonyms
safeguarding (More formal and emphasizes the process of protecting over time.)
|
defense (Often used in contexts involving active resistance against attack.)
Antonyms
exposure (Means being left open to harm or danger without protection.)
Collocations
provide protection
|seek protection
|legal protection
|offer protection
|under protection
Themes
safety
|law
|daily life
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The organization works to provide protection for endangered species.
- He wore a helmet for protection while riding his bike.
- The law offers protection to workers from unfair dismissal.
- We took shelter for protection from the storm.
- The witness was placed under police protection.
Learner examples
- The hat gives protection from the sun.
- We have protection from the rain under this roof.
- Gloves give protection to your hands.
- The police give protection to the city.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
2
Device or measure to prevent harm
Something like a tool or rule that stops harm or damage from happening.
Synonyms
safety device (A general term for equipment that protects people or objects.)
Antonyms
hazard (Something that causes danger instead of preventing it.)
Collocations
protective gear
|fire protection system
|electrical protection
Themes
technology
|safety
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The helmet is an important form of head protection.
- This circuit breaker provides electrical protection for the house.
- Fire doors are a key part of building protection measures.
Learner examples
- Glasses give eye protection.
- The wall gives protection from the wind.
- A mask gives protection from dust.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
3
Official support or care
Help and care given by a group or law to keep people safe and well.
Synonyms
guardianship (Emphasizes legal responsibility for care and safety.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to provide necessary care or support.)
Collocations
diplomatic protection
|state protection
|child protection
Themes
law
|government
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Refugees sought protection under international law.
- The child was placed under the protection of social services.
- He enjoyed the diplomatic protection of his embassy.
Learner examples
- The child is under the protection of the police.
- We need the protection of the law.
- The group has the protection of the government.
Grammar
Dictionary form
protection
IPA
GB/pɹətˈɛkʃən/
US/pɹətˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
pro - tec - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: protection
- Plural: protection, protections
Word family
Forms
protections
noun
Core family
Related words
protectively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unprotected
adjective
Advanced or less common
Expressions
protection money
1/pɹətˈɛkʃən mˈʌni/
fixed phrase
informal
Money paid to avoid harm
Money given to criminals so they will not hurt you or your business.
Examples
- Shop owners were forced to pay protection money to the gang.
- The police arrested him for collecting protection money.
under the protection of
1/ˈʌndɚ ðə pɹətˈɛkʃən əv/
fixed phrase
Kept safe by someone/something
Being kept safe by a person, group, law, or thing.
Examples
- She lived under the protection of her uncle after her parents died.
- The witnesses were under the protection of the police.
witness protection program
1/wˈɪtnəs pɹətˈɛkʃən pɹˈoʊɡɹˌæm/
fixed phrase
technical
Official program for witness safety
A government plan that keeps important witnesses safe by hiding their identity and location.
Examples
- He entered the witness protection program after testifying against the gang.
- The witness protection program relocated her to another state.