prəˈtekʃən n. 1 a
the act or an
instance of protecting. b the
state of
being protected;
defence (affords protection
against the weather). c a
thing,
person, or
animal that provides protection (bought a
dog as protection). 2 (also protectionism) Econ. the
theory or
practice of protecting
home industries. 3 colloq. a
immunity from molestation obtained by
payment to gangsters etc.
under threat of
violence. b (in full protection money) the
money so
paid,
esp. on a
regular basis. 4 =
safe conduct. 5
archaic the
keeping of a
woman as a
mistress. øøprotectionist n. [ME f. OF protection or LL protectio (as PROTECT)]