ob ‧ jec ‧ tion S3 /əbˈdʒekʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [uncountable and countable] a reason that you have for opposing or disapproving of something, or something you say that expresses this:
Her objection was that he was too young.
objection to
He had moral objections to killing animals for food.
over the objections of somebody (=in spite of their objections)
The bill was passed over the objections of many Democrats.
2 . objection! spoken formal said by lawyers to a judge in a court when they think that what another lawyer has just said should not be allowed
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ have an objection
Does anyone have any objections to the proposal?
▪ make an objection (=say what your objection is)
The Parish Council made several objections to the changes.
▪ raise/voice an objection (=make an objection)
His father raised no objections when John told him that he wanted to become a dancer.
▪ meet somebody's objections (=change something so that someone will no longer object)
He altered the plans to meet the objections of community leaders.
▪ withdraw an objection (=stop objecting to something)
The FBI withdrew its objections to publishing the information.
▪ lodge an objection (=formally make an objection)
Residents have lodged an objection to the new development.
■ adjectives
▪ a strong objection
Parents at the school have voiced strong objections to the closure.
▪ a serious/major objection
There were serious objections to using the videotaped evidence at the trial.
▪ the main objection
One of the main objections was that classes were being taught by untrained staff.
▪ a fundamental objection
A fundamental objection is that the church should not be part of the government.
▪ a moral objection
He has expressed moral objections to this type of research.
▪ a religious objection
Roman Catholics have religious objections to the use of contraceptives.
▪ (a) conscientious objection (=the fact of refusing to become a solider because of your moral or religious beliefs)
Conscientious objection to military service is seen by the United Nations as part of your right to freedom of thought.
■ COMMON ERRORS
► Do not say ' say an objection '. Say make an objection .
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THESAURUS
▪ opposition noun [uncountable] strong disagreement with or protest against something:
Opposition to the proposed scheme was widespread.
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The plan met with stiff opposition (=strong opposition) .
▪ objection noun [countable] a reason you give for opposing an idea or plan:
My main objection is that it will cost too much money.
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A number of objections were raised.
▪ antagonism noun [uncountable] a strong feeling of opposition to something, or dislike for someone, which is shown in your behaviour, and has often existed for a long time:
his own antagonism to any form of authority
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There is no antagonism towards tourists on the island.
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people’s antagonism to communism
▪ hostility noun [uncountable] angry remarks or behaviour that show someone opposes something very strongly, or dislikes someone very much:
The announcement was greeted with hostility from some employees.
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There is a certain amount of hostility towards the police among local people.
▪ antipathy noun [uncountable] formal a strong feeling of opposition and dislike for someone or something:
his fundamental antipathy to capitalism
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Her long-standing antipathy to Herr Kohl was well-known.
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Darwin shared Lyell's antipathy to the idea that the same species could appear independently in different areas.