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Protest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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protest

[หˆprษ™สŠtษ›st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social movement

A protest is a public expression of objection or disapproval towards an idea, policy, or action. It can take the form of a demonstration, march, rally, or strike. Protests are often organized by groups or individuals advocating for social change or justice.

Synonyms

demonstration, march, rally, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
protest

A protest is a general term that describes a public gathering where people show their disagreement with something, often a political issue. It can be peaceful or involve conflict.

  • The citizens organized a protest against the new tax regulations.
  • The protest turned violent after the police intervened.
demonstration

A demonstration typically implies a peaceful assembly where people publicly express their opinions, often holding signs or making speeches.

  • They held a demonstration in the city square to support environmental laws.
  • The demonstration was well-organized and attracted a large crowd.
rally

A rally is a large public meeting, often more upbeat and supportive, typically involving speeches, chants, or music to garner support for a cause.

  • The political campaign held a rally to energize its supporters.
  • The rally for workers' rights included several prominent speakers.
march

A march involves a group of people walking from one location to another to show support or opposition for a cause. It emphasizes movement and usually covers a specific route.

  • The students participated in a march for climate change awareness.
  • The peace march drew participants from all over the country.
strike

A strike is an organized refusal to work by employees as a form of protest, usually to achieve workplace-related demands such as higher wages or better working conditions.

  • The teachers went on strike to demand better salaries.
  • The strike lasted for several weeks, causing significant disruptions.

Examples of usage

  • Thousands of people gathered in the capital city to participate in a protest against police brutality.
  • The students organized a protest to demand action on climate change.
Context #2 | Verb

expressing objection

To protest means to express strong disapproval or objection towards something. It can involve speaking out, demonstrating, or taking action to show disagreement or dissent.

Synonyms

object, oppose, resist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
protest

This word is typically used when people publicly show that they disagree with something, often through demonstrations, rallies, or marches.

  • The citizens organized a protest against the new law
  • The workers held a peaceful protest outside the company headquarters
object

This word is used to express a personal disagreement or disapproval, often in formal situations such as meetings or legal settings.

  • I strongly object to the proposed changes in our policy
  • The defense lawyer objected to the evidence being presented in court
oppose

This word is used when someone is actively working against something or someone, often in a political context or in matters of policy.

  • She has always opposed the idea of increasing taxes
  • Many activists oppose the construction of the new highway
resist

This word is used when someone fights against being controlled or influenced by something or someone, often with a physical or metaphorical struggle.

  • The villagers resisted the invading forces for months
  • It is hard to resist the temptation of eating sweets

Examples of usage

  • The workers protested against the unfair treatment by going on strike.
  • Many citizens protested the government's decision to cut funding for education.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'protest' comes from the Latin 'protestari,' which means to declare openly or affirm.
  • The practice of public protests has been around since ancient times, with recorded events in civilizations like ancient Greece and Rome.
  • Major protests have often influenced laws and political decisions throughout history, such as the Boston Tea Party in 1773.

Civil Rights

  • The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s used protests to fight against racial segregation and injustice in the United States.
  • One of the most famous protests is Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington in 1963.
  • Protests have played large roles in movements worldwide, including feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental activism.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Another Brick in the Wall' by Pink Floyd and 'Fight the Power' by Public Enemy have become anthems for protests.
  • Films like 'Selma' and 'The Hunger Games' depict protests as a means of fighting against oppressive regimes.
  • Art installations and performances often use the theme of protest to engage audiences and provoke thought.

Psychology

  • People often feel empowered when participating in protests, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
  • Research shows that people who protest often feel a stronger connection to their beliefs and increased personal agency.
  • Psychological studies suggest that collective actions like protests can lead to significant changes in societal attitudes.

Technology and Communication

  • The rise of social media has transformed how protests are organized, making it easier to mobilize people quickly.
  • Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter or #MeToo have helped spread awareness and garner global support for various causes.
  • Livestreaming protests has provided real-time coverage, influencing public perception and sometimes resulting in rapid change.

Origin of 'protest'

The word 'protest' originated from the Latin word 'protestari', which means 'to declare publicly'. The term has been used since the 15th century to describe acts of objection or dissent. Throughout history, protests have played a significant role in bringing about social and political change, as people gather to voice their concerns and demand action from those in power.

See also: attest, detest, retest, test, testable, testament, tester, testifications, testify, testimony, testiness, tests, untested.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,618, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.