protest1 nounprotest2 verb
protestpro‧test1 /ˈprəʊtest $ ˈproʊ-/ ●●○ W3 noun 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Despite angry protests from environmentalists, building will go ahead as planned.
- Despite their protests, the students' fees were increased.
- Ignoring my protests, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.
- Over fifteen thousand people held a mass protest against racism in the country's capital.
- Prisoners have been holding hunger strikes in protest against their living conditions.
- Public employees have threatened mass resignations in protest at the plans.
- The protest begun by Soweto children rapidly spread throughout the country.
- The ambassador lodged a formal protest against the proposals.
- The school has received over 3,000 letters of protest.
- The shooting provoked a storm of protest.
- Three people died Thursday in violent street protests.
- When two members of the team were dismissed, the rest of them walked out in protest.
- Agnes ensconced herself in what had been their bedroom despite my father's protests.
- At a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, however, the tire-burning effort drew protests.
- Blacks moved in protest, demanding establishment of a police precinct in Harlem.
- For the past three years, he taught mathematics at Sonoma State University and led protests against higher student fees.
- The Conference was met by a protest strike in Moscow and the Bolsheviks boycotted the proceedings.
- The key difference in these studies lies in their results for the effects of democratic forms of rule on political protest.
- The price of one man's protest.
THESAURUS
something that you say or write when you are complaining, especially to someone in an official position: · If you have any complaints, please contact our customer relations department.· Our main complaint is the poor standard of service.· If you have a complaint, you should write to the manager.make a complaint: · Some employees are worried about what will happen to them if they make a complaint.complaint about: · Keating was dismissed after complaints about the quality of his work.formal complaint: · Mr Kelly has made a formal complaint against the police.letters of complaint: · The commission has so far received nearly 10,000 letters of complaint.
when someone complains publicly about something that they think is wrong or unfair and should not be allowed to happen: · Despite their protests, the students’ fees were increased.in protest (=as a way of making a protest): · When two members of the team were dismissed, the rest of them walked out in protest.protest against: · The ambassador lodged a formal protest against the proposals.ignore somebody’s protests: · Ignoring my protests, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.
something that you feel unhappy about because you think that you have been treated unfairly – use this especially about an official complaint you make about the place where you work: file a grievance (=officially complain): · She filed a grievance last year after her supervisor refused to promote her.grievance against: · Anyone who has a legitimate grievance against the company can take it to the arbitration committee.air a grievance (=discuss a grievance publicly): · The meetings give employees the opportunity to express their views or air grievances.
Longman Language Activatorto show publicly that you disagree with something if people protest about something, they show that they think it is wrong or unfair, for example by holding public meetings or writing letters to politicians: · When the army took power, huge crowds gathered in the capital to protest.protest about/against: · Prisoners had climbed onto the roof to protest about conditions in the jail.protest something American: · a huge crowd of students protesting the globalization of trade
to protest about something in an organized way, by having a large outdoor meeting or by marching through the streets: · Thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building last night.demonstrate against: · Thousands of workers and students demonstrated against US involvement in the war.
to walk with a large group of people from one place to another, in order to show that you do not agree with something: march through/to etc: · Over ten thousand workers marched through the capital demanding higher wages.march on: · Several thousand people marched on the French embassy.
to not buy something, not go somewhere, or not take part in an event, in order to protest about the actions of a country or company: · Students have threatened to boycott certain banks as a protest at their investment policies.· Several countries have said they may boycott next year's Olympic Games.
if a large group of people riot , they protest about something by fighting the police, damaging public buildings, or setting fire to things: · Prisoners in several jails have rioted in protest at their appalling conditions.· Gangs of youths rioted for two nights on the streets of the capital.
ways of protesting about something · The school has received over 3,000 letters of protest.· The protest begun by Soweto children rapidly spread throughout the country.mass protest (=a protest by a lot of people) · Over fifteen thousand people held a mass protest against racism in the country's capital.storm of protest (=a lot of angry protest) · The shooting provoked a storm of protest.in protest at/against · Prisoners have been holding hunger strikes in protest against their living conditions.· Public employees have threatened mass resignations in protest at the plans.
also demo British when a large number of people come together to protest about something, by having an outdoor meeting or marching through the streets: · The police had to break up yesterday's animal rights demonstration.· Some of the marchers called to us to come and join the demo.demonstration against: · Over 3,000 people took part in a demonstration against the dumping of nuclear waste at sea.
when a large group of people walk in an organized way from one place to another in order to protest about something: · Thousands of students took part in the march.protest march: · Local trade union leaders joined in the protest march against cuts in government spending.
when people protest against the actions of a country or company, for example by not buying its products, not attending its events etc: boycott of: · Farmers are calling for a boycott of all imported meat.· a boycott of the peace talks
violent and illegal behaviour by a large group of people in order to protest against something that they think is unfair and that has made them very angry: · Altogether the riots cost 130 lives and well over $700 million in property damage.· Racial tension boiled over in the inner city riots which spread across the nation last week.
when people refuse to leave the place where they work or study until they are given the things they are asking for: · Workers at the factory organized a sit-in to draw attention to their grievances.
someone who takes part in a public protest someone who protests about something with other people: · Thousands of protesters took to the streets to show their anger at the government.
someone who takes part in an organized event, such as a march or an outdoor meeting, to protest about something: · Thirteen demonstrators were killed when soldiers opened fire on the crowd.
someone who takes part in an organized walk through an area in order to protest against something: · The Rev. Jesse Jackson led 1000 marchers through downtown Detroit to protest state welfare cuts.
a complaint something that you say or write when you are complaining, especially to someone in an official position: · If you have any complaints, please contact our customer relations department.· Our main complaint is the poor standard of service.· If you have a complaint, you should write to the manager.make a complaint: · Some employees are worried about what will happen to them if they make a complaint.complaint about: · Keating was dismissed after complaints about the quality of his work.formal complaint: · Mr Kelly has made a formal complaint against the police.letters of complaint: · The commission has so far received nearly 10,000 letters of complaint.
when someone complains publicly about something that they think is wrong or unfair and should not be allowed to happen: · Despite their protests, the students' fees were increased.in protest (=as a way of making a protest): · When two members of the team were dismissed, the rest of them walked out in protest.protest against: · The ambassador lodged a formal protest against the proposals.ignore somebody's protests: · Ignoring my protests, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.
an angry protest by a lot of people about something that they think is very wrong or unfair: · Despite an outcry, the university refused to change its admission policies.public outcry: · The shooting of an unarmed teenager by police caused a public outcry.outcry about/over: · There was a widespread outcry over the increase in fuel tax.outcry against: · The public outcry against the executions made little difference.
something that you feel unhappy about because you think that you have been treated unfairly - use this especially about an official complaint you make about the place where you work: file a grievance (=officially complain): · She filed a grievance last year after her supervisor refused to promote her.grievance against: · Anyone who has a legitimate grievance against the company can take it to the arbitration committee.air a grievance (=discuss a grievance publicly): · The meetings give employees the opportunity to express their views or air grievances.
informal something unimportant that you keep complaining about or feel unhappy about: · Students' main gripe is the poor quality of the dorm food.· I left the house because I wasn't in the mood to listen to Maude's gripes.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
I went on a lot of peace marches when I was a student. The delegation registered a formal protest with US embassy officials Wednesday.
· Opponents of the plan have staged several protests.
(=cause them)· The arrests sparked off violent street protests.
· She organized a protest outside the store.
(=start suddenly)· Massive protests erupted across the country.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + protest· The announcement led to widespread public protests.
· Lee spent five years in prison for his involvement in political protest.
· Some 5,000 students and others began a peaceful protest.
· Three people died yesterday in violent protests against the war.
(=one involving a lot of people)· There were mass protests in the capital.
· They reacted to the king’s forced abdication with massive public protests.
· Student protests were crushed by police.
· There was a ban on street protests.
· Religious leaders continued to lead anti-government protests.
protest + NOUN· Students at the heart of the protest movement have called for a general strike.
· They staged a protest march through the city’s streets.
(=a large outdoor public meeting to protest about something)· A protest rally in the capital was attended by about 400 people.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=in which people protest against something)· The price increases were met by a series of strikes and protest demonstrations.
· There were demonstrations in protest at the food shortages.
· They formed a protest group and a petition of 50,000 signatures was presented at the town hall.
(=say repeatedly that you are not guilty) The prisoners continued to protest their innocence.
The prisoners continued to protest their innocence. I went on a lot of peace marches when I was a student.· Anti-road campaigners are holding a protest meeting today.
· 5,000 students began a peaceful protest which turned into a violent confrontation with police.
· Not surprisingly, the new rules have provoked protests from gun owners.· The crackdown provoked an international outcry.
· Minor clashes between police and demonstrators occurred during a protest rally.
The delegation registered a formal protest with US embassy officials Wednesday.· They were singing old protest songs from the 1960s.
· The killing caused a storm of protest.
· This incident sparked violent demonstrations outside the airbase.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· The decision led to demonstrations and angry protests outside government buildings and parliament in Dublin.· The exhibit was spotlighted by Phoenix-area media because of an angry protest March 24 by veterans groups.· The leaks provoked angry protests from citizens and environmentalists.
· He immediately made a formal protest and Agent Monteith was summoned to mediate.· On the last day, a formal protest was read out; among the signers was Isaac Winslow.· Pacelli sent off formal notes of protest at violations of the terms of the agreement: these, too, were ignored.· Edward made a formal protest, but he was in no position to do more.
· Judging by the loud protests when the girls had to be evacuated to Norfolk, the enterprise lived up to the best expectations.· With a loud protest, Gao Ma took three or four rocky steps backwards, trying to keep his balance.· And loud protests are suddenly heard.
· Move to the Left, encourage mass protest, and they risked being marginalized in a revolutionary confrontation.· Meanwhile, ramblers are planning a mass protest at the site.· Parliament is an inadequate means to secure change; there must be mass protest on the streets.· In these conditions, to encourage mass protest over which they would have no control appeared sheer lunacy.· He wanted a campaign of direct action and mass protest, not an organisation which would take up individual cases of discrimination.· There were mass protests in the capital, Manila.
· They were just having a peaceful protest, sitting there and linking arms: no threats or fear of violence.· It was an impassioned, largely peaceful protest.· This would include many forms of peaceful protest, including sit-ins, certain public meetings, and even some pickets.· And there was in practice a very thin line between peaceful protest and the other variety.· Accordingly, the constitutions of many states contain guarantees of the right of peaceful protest.· They were arrested on 5 October while staging a peaceful protest to highlight repression in Bophuthatswana.· During May Lin had been sentenced to a 22-month term in prison for his involvement in a 1989 peaceful political protest.· University students have so far heeded the call, staging peaceful protests nationwide.
· It also occurs in the context of political protest.· His optimism remains unflagging as he continues to sing utopian political and protest tunes.· Others sprang from social or political protest.· I organized political protests, but also got two appointments from federal criminal courts.· The key difference in these studies lies in their results for the effects of democratic forms of rule on political protest.· Gilroy reminds us that black political protest in the streets and urban crime have very successfully become fused in the public eye.· In some countries, action has been taken further in the form of political protest movements.· Despite this, the independent unions continued to call for strikes and became increasingly involved in political protest.
· This strategy is explicitly intended to improve living standards sufficiently to divert popular protest.· For these reasons, they have an enormous sense of solidarity with popular protest movements, trade unionists and political prisoners.
· This had been one of the demands put forward by the Eco-glasnost group at public protests in Sofia in October 1989.· A storm of public protest followed.· The public protest meeting went ahead.· Neither law firm outings nor public protests and rallies were quite his style, in any case.· Then we shall examine how these laws were utilized to deal with large-scale public protest during the 1980s.· However public protests are also gathering momentum as people realize that shrimp farming seems to be a recipe for disaster.· Consequently, so he explained later in his memoirs, he anticipated only public protests from Washington.· Interior Ministry officials have said that they can not guarantee safety for protesters, so public protests will be banned indefinitely.
· The Alresford Society made strong protests, and the application was refused.· The unflattering portraits elicited strong protests from some of the campaigns.· The Ruritanian ambassador delivered a jolly strong protest concerning the recent violation of his country's sovereignty. 19.?· There were strong protests in both cities.· The music, by Brecht's contemporaries Weill and Eisler, adds atmosphere and reinforces the strong protest against tyranny and persecution.· Each has been the subject of strong protests by local people and environmental groups.· The Ruritanian ambassador delivered a highly emotional protest ... b. The Ruritanian ambassador delivered an extremely strong protest ... 26a.
· She is in danger of running into violent protests, said an extreme right- wing group last night.· The move had sparked violent protests among students, parents and teachers, resulting in seven injuries and ten arrests.· It can't be, an inner voice shrieked in violent protest.· History shows that the usual response to violent protest and riots was repression.· An effigy of Mr MacSharry was burned by protesting farmers in Strasbourg last week in a violent protest against the deal.· The most violent protests were in Zakazik, capital of Sharkiya governorate, in the northeast of the delta.· The issue has become a student and union cause, sometimes taking the form of violent protests against the administration.· There were now violent protests throughout the nation, calling for withdrawal.
NOUN· The disabled from the Prestbury centre and other similar centres are planning a protest demonstration in Cheltenham on Friday to oppose charges.· A protest demonstration by more than 2,000 people on April 7 demanded the bodies of those killed.· Today he talks to police, leads protest demonstrations, confronts Government deputies.· But widespread resistance and protest demonstrations continued.
· They're a kind of protest group, I guess.· Her life now revolves around a protest group fighting the road.· Now you've told the entire bloody world and we will have every shitty little protest group in the country on to us.· The protest group fighting the plan says it wasn't responsible and has condemned the attacks.· It's our first season as a protest group and we haven't quite got the publishing side sorted out.
· Outside in the street student protest marches wander aimlessly by.· The exhibit was spotlighted by Phoenix-area media because of an angry protest March 24 by veterans groups.· A protest march of an estimated 1,000 construction workers took place on April 7 in Lima.· Also Tuesday, opposition leaders said they will mount a new challenge to riot police blocking protest marches.· Later in the day security forces stormed a candlelight protest march, beating young people who called for peaceful change.· A largely black protest march was held here recently to demand the return of safe streets.· Jesse Jackson led thousands on a protest march through Sacramento.
· This gave the protest movements plenty of time to galvanize support.· At no moment before, or perhaps since, had the protest movement felt better or stronger.· Over the next two years the protest movement, a mixture of genuine discontent, sincere concern and self-indulgence, petered out.· Reducing women fundamentalists to obedient bystanders is to badly misunderstand the dynamics of the religious protest movement.· May Day protest movement began in Chicago over 114 years ago.· What is needed now is the kind of global protest movement that Jubilee 2000 developed over debt relief.· A world-wide protest movement tried to prevent their execution, but they eventually went to the electric chair in 1927.· The extremes of the anti-war protest movement, which was very central to the film itself, had had their day.
· Up in Sheffield a protest rally against police provocation and brutality was turning ugly.· Last June, a force of state police killed 17 unarmed peasant farmers on their way to a protest rally.· All major political parties criticized the draft as undemocratic, and a protest rally attracted 50,000 people.· And in Britain the Countryside Alliance holds a protest rally.
· One year missing from this litany of successful street protest is 1981.· Recent street protests have drawn only a few thousand demonstrators, fewer than in last December.· Angela Phillips, 1998 daring to mount street protests against the sending of their menfolk into war zones.
· Outside in the street student protest marches wander aimlessly by.· A student protest against education loans which took place three years later in central London also ran into trouble.· Similar student protests were held on the same day in provincial centres.· On the other, the government mishandled student protest, wildly overreacting to an essentially ephemeral product of youthful idealism.· Next day the rector of the Sorbonne summoned police to a student protest against the closure of Nanterre.
VERB· Angry villagers claim Labour-controlled Wrekin council has ignored their protests by backing the scheme.· He bullied the school board which, in theory, employed him, and he chose to ignore the black protest.
· Jones led the furious protest and clearly lost some control during the match.· For the past three years, he taught mathematics at Sonoma State University and led protests against higher student fees.· Jesse Jackson led thousands on a protest march through Sacramento.· Also, two black students who helped lead recent protests over race-related incidents on campus were threatened, police records show.· The man who was arrested while leading a protest against the dismissal of workers trying to organize a union.· Police violence in every region of the country led to black community protests.
· This prompted the Foreign Ministry in Bonn to lodge a protest with the Czechoslovak ambassador.· When Mansell then returned to the Williams garage and asked the team to lodge a protest, his request was refused.
· Angela Phillips, 1998 daring to mount street protests against the sending of their menfolk into war zones.
· I organized political protests, but also got two appointments from federal criminal courts.
· The leaks provoked angry protests from citizens and environmentalists.· That bright idea, understandably, provoked howls of protest and is so obviously wrong that Rep.· Its activities were well enough known to provoke widespread protest in the cahiers of 1789.· It has already caused a sensation-stopping traffic and provoking a storm of protests.· Its lack of detail provoked considerable protest.
· Foreign Minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhyaya resigns in protest at police brutality during pro-democracy demonstrations.· Binyamin Begin, the science minister and son of the former prime minister, resigned in protest.· Abdallah resigned in protest on Jan. 18.· Some deacons and elders have privately told their ministers that they plan to resign in protest if it passes.· Mr Blanc resigned in protest at the refusal to privatise the airline.· Mr Getchell resigned in protest and was replaced by Mr Oskar Tollefson.· From the wait-and-negotiate camp, Secretary of State Vance resigned his post in protest.
· Nearly 1,000 fans staged a sit-down protest calling for Branfoot's head, despite the victory sealed by Richard Hall's header.· They staged protests in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.· As we noted above, the riders staged an organised protest against the police searches of team hotels and vehicles.· Twenty travellers are staging a protest outside a police station demanding the return of their vehicles.· They were arrested on 5 October while staging a peaceful protest to highlight repression in Bophuthatswana.· Residents found out about the hostel plans from a secret tip-off and are now staging a local protest march this Sunday.· Opposition leaders said they would try to stage nationwide protests, but previous opposition rallies have met only lukewarm support.· But they have also staged their own protests.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a chorus of thanks/disapproval/protest etc
1[countable, uncountable] something that you do to show publicly that you think that something is wrong and unfair, for example taking part in big public meetings, refusing to work, or refusing to buy a company’s productsprotest against- They finally paid the full bill under protest.
- A NORTH-EAST woman has lodged a complaint after an ambulance took almost an hour to arrive at an accident.
- Ceausescu's lawyers immediately lodged an appeal against the verdict.
- Hakkar lodged an appeal, which was turned down.
- Mr Fitzgerald immediately lodged an appeal.
- She agrees to go the city council and lodge a complaint.
- The Wimbledon midfield player officially lodged an appeal with the Football Association against his £20,000 fine and six-month suspended ban.
- This prompted the Foreign Ministry in Bonn to lodge a protest with the Czechoslovak ambassador.
- When the public prosecutor appealed against that ruling, Pasko lodged a complaint in an attempt to clear his name.
- Nearly 1,000 fans staged a sit-down protest calling for Branfoot's head, despite the victory sealed by Richard Hall's header.
Students held a protest march against the war. Five thousand employees came out on strike in protest at the poor working conditions.2[countable] words or actions that show that you do not want someone to do something or that you dislike something very muchprotest from I turned off the TV, despite loud protests from the kids.without protest He accepted his punishment without protest. She ignored his protests and walked away. The programme caused a storm of protest (=a lot of angry protest). The announcement was met with howls of protest.3do something under protest to do something while making it clear that you do not want to do it: The bill was eventually paid under protest.COLLOCATIONSverbshold/stage/mount a protest· Opponents of the plan have staged several protests.lead to/spark (off) protests (=cause them)· The arrests sparked off violent street protests.organize a protest· She organized a protest outside the store.protests erupt (=start suddenly)· Massive protests erupted across the country.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + protesta public/popular protest· The announcement led to widespread public protests.political protest· Lee spent five years in prison for his involvement in political protest.a peaceful protest· Some 5,000 students and others began a peaceful protest.a violent/angry protest· Three people died yesterday in violent protests against the war.a mass protest (=one involving a lot of people)· There were mass protests in the capital.a massive protest· They reacted to the king’s forced abdication with massive public protests.a student protest· Student protests were crushed by police.a street protest· There was a ban on street protests.an anti-government protest· Religious leaders continued to lead anti-government protests.protest + NOUNa protest group/movement· Students at the heart of the protest movement have called for a general strike.a protest march· They staged a protest march through the city’s streets.a protest rally (=a large outdoor public meeting to protest about something)· A protest rally in the capital was attended by about 400 people.protest1 nounprotest2 verb
protestpro‧test2 /prəˈtest $ ˈprə-/ ●●○ verb WORD ORIGINprotest2
Origin:
1300-1400 French protester, from Latin protestari, from testari ‘to speak as a witness’VERB TABLE
protest
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | protest |
| he, she, it | protests | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | protested |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have protested |
| he, she, it | has protested | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had protested |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will protest |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have protested |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am protesting |
| he, she, it | is protesting | |
| you, we, they | are protesting | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was protesting |
| you, we, they | were protesting | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been protesting |
| he, she, it | has been protesting | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been protesting |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be protesting |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been protesting |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I don't think that's fair!" she protested.
- a huge crowd of students protesting the globalization of trade
- Dan protested it wasn't him who had caused the problems.
- He was carried away in a police van, protesting loudly.
- Marge protested that she had never had any kind of affair with Lawrence.
- Mills, who has been in prison since 1987, has always protested his innocence.
- Passengers protested angrily about increased rail fares.
- Prisoners had climbed onto the roof to protest about conditions in the jail.
- The journalists have protested to government officials about the way they were treated.
- Throughout the trial Reilly protested his innocence.
- When the army took power, huge crowds gathered in the capital to protest.
- Apart from protesting his innocence, Hebden had said nothing of importance since the drive down to London.
- He may protest to the auditor that this is a waste of time.
- Jubilant, most gave up the idea of protesting in the freezing temperatures again, but approximately 1,000 persisted with their plan.
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is protesting one of the joyous traditions of hockey, says the newsletter Dispatches.
- Rather than protest anymore, he took his punishment silently and disappeared into his room.
- The shipowner had protested his innocence, claiming that the loss of his ship was genuine.
- There was nothing they could do, she protested.
- This was not a joke, Aunt Paulie would protest when the laughter began.
THESAURUS
to do something to show publicly that you disagree with something – used especially when a large group of people do this together: · Huge crowds gathered in the capital protesting against the war.· Drivers blocked roads around the capital to protest about the rising cost of fuel.
to walk in a large group from one place to another in order to protest about something: · Hundreds of students marched through the city in protest against the employment laws.
to walk or stand somewhere in a large group, in order to protest about something: · About 200 people were demonstrating outside the US Embassy.· Environmentalists have been demonstrating against plans to dump waste at sea.
to protest by behaving in a violent and uncontrolled way: · Hundreds of workers rioted after pay negotiations broke down.· The prisoners were rioting against their appalling conditions.
to protest about the actions of a company, country, or industry by refusing to buy something, or refusing to go to a place or event: · They may boycott the next Olympic Games.· Shoppers are boycotting battery-farmed eggs.
to protest by refusing to leave a place: · The students have been staging a sit-in to protest about overcrowding at the polytechnic.
(also go on hunger strike British English) to protest by refusing to eat: · Maynard went on a hunger strike to protest his innocence.
Longman Language Activatorto show publicly that you disagree with something if people protest about something, they show that they think it is wrong or unfair, for example by holding public meetings or writing letters to politicians: · When the army took power, huge crowds gathered in the capital to protest.protest about/against: · Prisoners had climbed onto the roof to protest about conditions in the jail.protest something American: · a huge crowd of students protesting the globalization of trade
to protest about something in an organized way, by having a large outdoor meeting or by marching through the streets: · Thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building last night.demonstrate against: · Thousands of workers and students demonstrated against US involvement in the war.
to walk with a large group of people from one place to another, in order to show that you do not agree with something: march through/to etc: · Over ten thousand workers marched through the capital demanding higher wages.march on: · Several thousand people marched on the French embassy.
to not buy something, not go somewhere, or not take part in an event, in order to protest about the actions of a country or company: · Students have threatened to boycott certain banks as a protest at their investment policies.· Several countries have said they may boycott next year's Olympic Games.
if a large group of people riot , they protest about something by fighting the police, damaging public buildings, or setting fire to things: · Prisoners in several jails have rioted in protest at their appalling conditions.· Gangs of youths rioted for two nights on the streets of the capital.
ways of protesting about something · The school has received over 3,000 letters of protest.· The protest begun by Soweto children rapidly spread throughout the country.mass protest (=a protest by a lot of people) · Over fifteen thousand people held a mass protest against racism in the country's capital.storm of protest (=a lot of angry protest) · The shooting provoked a storm of protest.in protest at/against · Prisoners have been holding hunger strikes in protest against their living conditions.· Public employees have threatened mass resignations in protest at the plans.
also demo British when a large number of people come together to protest about something, by having an outdoor meeting or marching through the streets: · The police had to break up yesterday's animal rights demonstration.· Some of the marchers called to us to come and join the demo.demonstration against: · Over 3,000 people took part in a demonstration against the dumping of nuclear waste at sea.
when a large group of people walk in an organized way from one place to another in order to protest about something: · Thousands of students took part in the march.protest march: · Local trade union leaders joined in the protest march against cuts in government spending.
when people protest against the actions of a country or company, for example by not buying its products, not attending its events etc: boycott of: · Farmers are calling for a boycott of all imported meat.· a boycott of the peace talks
violent and illegal behaviour by a large group of people in order to protest against something that they think is unfair and that has made them very angry: · Altogether the riots cost 130 lives and well over $700 million in property damage.· Racial tension boiled over in the inner city riots which spread across the nation last week.
when people refuse to leave the place where they work or study until they are given the things they are asking for: · Workers at the factory organized a sit-in to draw attention to their grievances.
someone who takes part in a public protest someone who protests about something with other people: · Thousands of protesters took to the streets to show their anger at the government.
someone who takes part in an organized event, such as a march or an outdoor meeting, to protest about something: · Thirteen demonstrators were killed when soldiers opened fire on the crowd.
someone who takes part in an organized walk through an area in order to protest against something: · The Rev. Jesse Jackson led 1000 marchers through downtown Detroit to protest state welfare cuts.
to say that you are annoyed or not satisfied about something to say that you are annoyed and not satisfied about something or someone: · We had to remove the advertisement because so many people complained.· Residents are complaining because traffic in the area has increased.complain about: · Their neighbours complained about their constant loud music.complain that: · Jenny's always complaining that her boss gives her too much work.complain to: · If the hotel isn't satisfactory, you should complain to the Tourist Office.constantly complain: · He constantly complains about how he's treated at work.complain bitterly (=complain very strongly): · Workers who had lost their jobs complained bitterly about the way they had been treated.
to formally complain about something to someone in authority: · Write to this address if you wish to make a complaint.make a complaint to: · Parents made a complaint to the principal about bullying in the school.
British /file a complaint American to make an official complaint, usually in writing, to someone in authority: · She went to the city council and lodged a complaint.lodge a complaint with: · The company said it plans to file a complaint with the International Trade Commission.lodge a complaint against: · Conyers said she had been blocked from promotion after filing a complaint against a male co-worker.
to complain about something, especially publicly or officially, because you are annoyed or think it is unfair: · He was carried away in a police van, protesting loudly.protest about: · Passengers protested angrily about increased rail fares.protest to: · The journalists have protested to government officials about the way they were treated.protest (that): · Dan protested it wasn't him who had caused the problems.protest your innocence (=say that you are innocent): · Mills, who has been in prison since 1987, has always protested his innocence.
to say that you do not agree with something or you do not approve of it, because it annoys you or offends you: · "My name's not Sonny," the child objected.object to: · Does anyone object to these proposals?object if: · Will she object if I use her laptop?
to speak or write to someone in authority complaining about something: · I told her she should take it up with her local council.· Alton said he was prepared to take the matter up with the Ministry of Health if necessary.
to talk about the things you are unhappy or annoyed about, especially in public to people in authority so that they can do something about them: · The meeting gave employees an opportunity to air their grievances.· The uprising at Southport prison ended after inmates were allowed to air their grievances to the media.
to say publicly that you are innocent to say publicly and officially in a court of law, that you are innocent of a crime: · According to Maloney's lawyer, she will plead not guilty.plead not guilty to: · Barkin pleaded not guilty to the rape charges in municipal court Thursday.· After pleading not guilty to the charges of conspiracy, Davis was released on bail.
to say repeatedly that you are innocent, especially when other people think that you are guilty: · The men have protested their innocence for 25 years.· Schultz appeared in public again on Wednesday to protest her innocence and deny any wrong-doing.
to say that something is definitely true to say that something is true, even though it has not been proved and people may not believe it: claim (that): · Martin claimed that he was with friends at the time of his wife's murder.· She claimed she was fired from her job for being pregnant.claim to be something: · She claims to be a descendent of Charles Dickens.claim to have done something: · Doctors claim to have discovered a cure for the disease.claim responsibility/credit etc: · No one has yet claimed responsibility for planting the bomb.
to repeatedly say that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you: maintain (that): · My mother always maintains that I learned to talk at six months.· The authors of "Superdiet' maintain you can lose pounds without eating less.
to state very firmly that something is true: assert (that): · Professor Sykes has asserted that the skeleton, which was said to be man's first ancestor, is in fact a fake.· After 1947, Nehru began to assert his supremacy and sack party chiefs who opposed him.· If women are to have equal opportunity, they must loudly assert their ability to do all traditional "male' jobs.
if you confirm something that other people have already said is true, you say publicly that it is definitely true: · Mr Eastwood refused to confirm or deny the rumour.confirm (that): · Police have confirmed that they are questioning a woman about the disappearance of baby Kelly Truman.
to make a formal statement of what is true, especially in a court of law: · Police had to guard him in hospital until he was well enough to testify.testify that: · I'm prepared to testify in court that I was in Carolyn's apartment that night.testify against somebody (=say something intended to prove someone is guilty): · The witness who had testified against him withdrew her allegation.
informal to say very firmly that what you have said is the truth: swear (that): · It was a mistake -- she swears that she didn't mean to do it.· The plane flew so low that Geoff swears he saw one wing touch the top of a tree.swear blind (that) (=used for emphasizing that someone is telling the truth): · She swears blind that she never met the man.
if someone such as a doctor or another professional person certifies something, they officially say that it is true: certify (that): · Doctors have certified that the suspect was in a lot of pain at the time of the incident.certify somebody fit/dead/insane etc: · The doctor certified me unfit to go to work for the next month.
to say and repeat that something is true, especially when a lot of people think that it might not be true: insist (that): · Though there are no other witnesses, she insists she saw a man in the yard that night.· UFO spotters will always insist that their data is correct.
to firmly and repeatedly state that you have not done something wrong: protest (that): · Marge protested that she had never had any kind of affair with Lawrence.protest your innocence (=say repeatedly that you did not commit a crime): · Throughout the trial Reilly protested his innocence.
to say that you have not done something bad that people say you have done: · Bowlam denied all charges of selling drugs to children.deny (that): · The singer denies that he copied the tune from an old Beatles song.deny doing something: · Did he actually deny meeting Jenny that night? flatly/categorically deny (=deny very strongly): · The foreman had not informed us that the paraffin might explode. In fact he had categorically denied there was any danger.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Years later, he is still protesting his innocence.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I went on a lot of peace marches when I was a student. The delegation registered a formal protest with US embassy officials Wednesday.
Years later, he is still protesting his innocence. (=in which people protest against something)· The price increases were met by a series of strikes and protest demonstrations.
· There were demonstrations in protest at the food shortages.
· They formed a protest group and a petition of 50,000 signatures was presented at the town hall.
(=say repeatedly that you are not guilty) The prisoners continued to protest their innocence.
The prisoners continued to protest their innocence. I went on a lot of peace marches when I was a student.· Anti-road campaigners are holding a protest meeting today.
· 5,000 students began a peaceful protest which turned into a violent confrontation with police.
· Not surprisingly, the new rules have provoked protests from gun owners.· The crackdown provoked an international outcry.
· Minor clashes between police and demonstrators occurred during a protest rally.
The delegation registered a formal protest with US embassy officials Wednesday.· They were singing old protest songs from the 1960s.
· The killing caused a storm of protest.
· This incident sparked violent demonstrations outside the airbase.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Neither club was pleased, supporters were furious and Liverpool were reported to have protested strongly.· The order, of course, was strongly protested.· He had protested strongly when her call-up papers came.· He protests strongly that whaling is an honorable profession.
NOUN· He's been on remand for twenty months and always protested his innocence.· They protested their innocence, and referred to the fact that no charges had been brought against them.· She wasn't going to protest her innocence again, but it was time this scene with its explosive potential was ended.· What is absolutely clear is that the three prisoners have themselves vehemently protested their innocence from day one.· The shipowner had protested his innocence, claiming that the loss of his ship was genuine.· He and his son John protested their innocence to a Parliamentary committee, and nothing could be proved against them.· If he protests his innocence, he is doing just what he would do if he were guilty.· But within this controversy lay another, which left two proud men protesting their innocence.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a chorus of thanks/disapproval/protest etc
1[intransitive, transitive] to come together to publicly express disapproval or opposition to somethingprotest against/at/about- A NORTH-EAST woman has lodged a complaint after an ambulance took almost an hour to arrive at an accident.
- Ceausescu's lawyers immediately lodged an appeal against the verdict.
- Hakkar lodged an appeal, which was turned down.
- Mr Fitzgerald immediately lodged an appeal.
- She agrees to go the city council and lodge a complaint.
- The Wimbledon midfield player officially lodged an appeal with the Football Association against his £20,000 fine and six-month suspended ban.
- This prompted the Foreign Ministry in Bonn to lodge a protest with the Czechoslovak ambassador.
- When the public prosecutor appealed against that ruling, Pasko lodged a complaint in an attempt to clear his name.
- Nearly 1,000 fans staged a sit-down protest calling for Branfoot's head, despite the victory sealed by Richard Hall's header.
Thousands of people blocked the street, protesting against the new legislation.protest something American English Students protested the decision.2[intransitive, transitive] to say that you strongly disagree with or are angry about something because you think it is wrong or unfair: ‘I don’t see why I should take the blame for this!’ she protested.protest that Clive protested that he hadn’t been given enough time to do everything.► see thesaurus at complain3[transitive] to state very firmly that something is true, when other people do not believe youprotest (that) Sarah protested that she wasn’t Mick’s girlfriend. Years later, he is still protesting his innocence.THESAURUSprotest to do something to show publicly that you disagree with something – used especially when a large group of people do this together: · Huge crowds gathered in the capital protesting against the war.· Drivers blocked roads around the capital to protest about the rising cost of fuel.march to walk in a large group from one place to another in order to protest about something: · Hundreds of students marched through the city in protest against the employment laws.demonstrate to walk or stand somewhere in a large group, in order to protest about something: · About 200 people were demonstrating outside the US Embassy.· Environmentalists have been demonstrating against plans to dump waste at sea.riot to protest by behaving in a violent and uncontrolled way: · Hundreds of workers rioted after pay negotiations broke down.· The prisoners were rioting against their appalling conditions.boycott to protest about the actions of a company, country, or industry by refusing to buy something, or refusing to go to a place or event: · They may boycott the next Olympic Games.· Shoppers are boycotting battery-farmed eggs.hold/stage a sit-in to protest by refusing to leave a place: · The students have been staging a sit-in to protest about overcrowding at the polytechnic.go on a hunger strike (also go on hunger strike British English) to protest by refusing to eat: · Maynard went on a hunger strike to protest his innocence.