English Reference
noun

protection

n.
US /pɹəˈtɛkʃən/ UK /pɹətˈɛkʃən/ pro·tec·tion UK spelling protection's, protection's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the act of keeping someone or something safe, or the state of being safe from danger.

    the act of protecting or the state of being protected from injury, damage, or loss.

    Simple

    The new law provides better protection for workers against unfair dismissal.

    In context

    The environmental agency argued that the current legislation offers insufficient protection for the fragile coastal ecosystem against industrial runoff.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    something that you use to stay safe, like clothing or a screen.

    a physical object or substance that serves as a barrier against harm or environmental factors.

    Simple

    You should wear sunscreen as protection against the strong afternoon sun.

    In context

    The workers were required to wear heavy-duty goggles and gloves as protection against chemical splashes during the experiment.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Economics

    rules that help a country's own businesses by making it harder for foreign companies to compete.

    the theory or practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition through taxes or quotas.

    Simple

    The government introduced new trade protection to help local farmers.

    In context

    Economists debated whether increased protection for the domestic steel industry would ultimately hinder long-term global competitiveness.

    free trade
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    settings that prevent people from changing or seeing files on a computer.

    the mechanisms or settings used to restrict access to or modification of digital resources.

    Simple

    You need to remove the write protection from the file before you can edit it.

    In context

    The administrator implemented multi-layer protection to ensure that sensitive customer data remained encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized users.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    something used during sex to prevent pregnancy or disease.

    a method or device, such as a condom, used to prevent pregnancy or the transmission of disease during sexual intercourse.

    Simple

    It is important for young adults to use protection to stay healthy.

    In context

    Health clinics provide free resources and education regarding the various forms of protection available to the public.

    contraceptionbirth control
  6. 06 C1 Advanced Informal Law

    money paid to criminals so they do not hurt you or your business.

    immunity from harm or interference obtained through illegal payments to criminals or corrupt officials.

    Simple

    The shop owner was forced to pay the gang for protection every month.

    In context

    The investigation revealed a widespread racketeering scheme where local businesses were extorted for protection money under threat of violence.

    extortionhush money

Usage protection laws · protection for children · protection from future

In most cases, symptoms appear between a few hours and up to 48 hours after observing the eclipse without proper protection.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026

Flock Safety has unveiled stronger privacy protections following reports of US police officers using the AI-powered company’s automatic licence-plate readers to stalk and harass women.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated