I. ˈprō-ˌtest noun
Etymology: Middle English, from protester
Date: 15th century
1. : a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent: as
a. : a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage
b. : a declaration made especially before or while paying that a tax is illegal and that payment is not voluntary
2. : the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval
resigned in protest
especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval
3. : a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usually to an idea or a course of action
went under protest
4. : an objection made to an official or a governing body of a sport
II. prə-ˈtest, ˈprō-ˌ, prō-ˈ verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French protester, from Latin protestari, from pro- forth + testari to call to witness — more at pro- , testament
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. : to make solemn declaration or affirmation of
protest my innocence
2. : to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note)
3. : to make a statement or gesture in objection to
protest ed the abuses of human rights
intransitive verb
1. : to make a protestation
2. : to make or enter a protest
Synonyms: see assert
• pro·test·er or pro·tes·tor -ˈtes-tər, -ˌtes- noun