protest

Everyday

1. (noun) A strong public show of disagreement, such as a march or rally: a protest against the new road. tree →
2. (verb) To say or show strongly that you disagree or object: The children protested when the trip was cancelled. tree →
3. (formal) To say firmly that something is true when others doubt it: He protested that he was innocent. tree →
4. «Under protest» means doing something while complaining. tree →

In the lessons

In history and news, people protest peacefully for rights or against unfair laws; peaceful protest is a right in many countries. In stories children protest about bedtime. In maths a problem may give numbers of protesters to add or compare. Phrases: «in protest», «a peaceful protest», «protest against», «under protest», «protest your innocence».

Examples

• Thousands joined the protest against pollution. tree →
• The children protested loudly when the rain stopped play. tree →
• He protested that he had not taken the cake. tree →
• She ate her broccoli under protest. tree →
• The protest was peaceful and calm. tree →
• 300 people joined the protest, then 150 more came. tree →
• They walked out in protest. tree →
• "But it's not fair!" she protested. tree →
• So they sent a deputation to him to protest against his action. tree →

Note

Stress shift: noun PRO-test, verb pro-TEST. Person: a protester (or protestor). In the US «protest something» (no «against») is common; in the UK «protest against/about». Protests should be peaceful and safe.