protest

To say strongly that you disagree with something or think it is wrong.

• Nobody dared to protest.
• He protested that he had done nothing wrong.
• The students protested against the unfair rule.

How to use it: protest against something (Parents protested against the new fees.); protest that… (She protested that the decision was unfair.)

Similar words: object, complain

Common phrases: protest against something, protest loudly, protest a decision

To gather or act in public to show that you oppose something.

• They protested outside the school.
• Workers marched to protest against low wages.
• Thousands protested the war in the city centre.

How to use it: protest against something (Hundreds gathered to protest against the cuts.)

Similar words: demonstrate, march

Common phrases: protest against something, protest peacefully, protest the war

To say firmly that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you.

• She protested her innocence.
• He protested that he had always been loyal.
• Despite the evidence, they continued to protest their honesty.

How to use it: protest that… (He protested that he was innocent.)

Similar words: assert, affirm, insist

Opposites: deny

Common phrases: protest one's innocence, protest one's loyalty

An action or public gathering that shows people strongly oppose something.

• The protest was peaceful.
• Hundreds joined the protest outside the hospital.
• There were protests against the new law.

How to use it: protest against something (They organized a protest against the factory closure.)

Similar words: demonstration

Common phrases: hold a protest, peaceful protest, protest march, join a protest

A clear or official statement that you disagree with a decision or action.

• They sent a formal protest.
• The council rejected our written protest.
• He signed the document under protest.

How to use it: protest against something (The club lodged a protest against the referee's decision.); under protest (She paid the fee under protest.)

Similar words: objection, complaint

Common phrases: lodge a protest, formal protest, letter of protest