/ ˌdemənˈstreɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
(also informal demo especially in BrE ) [ C ] demonstration (against sb/sth) a public meeting or march at which people show that they are protesting against or supporting sb/sth :
to take part in / go on a demonstration
to hold / stage a demonstration
mass demonstrations in support of the exiled leader
anti-government demonstrations
a peaceful / violent demonstration
—compare march
2.
(also informal demo ) [ C , U ] an act of showing or explaining how sth works or is done :
We were given a brief demonstration of the computer's functions.
a practical demonstration
We provide demonstration of videoconferencing over the Internet.
3.
[ C , U ] an act of giving proof or evidence for sth :
a demonstration of the connection between the two sets of figures
a demonstration of how something that seems simple can turn out to be very complicated
4.
[ C ] an act of showing a feeling or an opinion :
a public demonstration of affection
a demonstration of support for the reforms
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (also in the senses proof provided by logic and sign, indication ): from Latin demonstratio(n-) , from demonstrare point out. Sense 1 dates from the mid 19th cent.