Language Research

protest · noun C or U

/ˈproʊ.test/Full view

protest

B2 when people show that they disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs, etc.

Dictionary examples:

a public protest against the war

a peaceful/violent protest

Learner example:

I believe that we could force the authorities to do something for us by joining [together] in a very big protest. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

protest · verb

/ˈproʊ.test/

protest (about/against sth)

B2 to show that you disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs, etc.

Dictionary examples:

Why are those people protesting outside the administration building?

Groups of students have been protesting against the tuition increase.

Learner example:

Undoubtedly, the human rights' defenders would protest. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

protest

B2 I or T to say something forcefully or complain about something

Dictionary examples:

They protested, but no one would listen.

The young child protested that she didn't want to leave her mother.

A lot of people protested to the city council about the proposed parking regulations.

Learner example:

I'd also like to point out that although the service is pleasant, it's a bit slow, which often makes the customers impatient and leads them to protest. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)