protection |prəˈtɛkʃ(ə)n|
noun
the action of protecting someone or something, or the state of being protected : the B vitamins give protection against infection | his son was put under police protection.
• a person or thing that prevents someone or something from suffering harm or injury : the castle was built as protection against the Saxons | [in sing. ] a protection against the evil eye.
• the cover provided by an insurance policy.
• (usu. protections) a legal or other formal measure intended to preserve civil liberties and rights.
• a document guaranteeing immunity from harm to the person specified in it.
• the practice of paying money to criminals so as to prevent them from attacking oneself or one’s property : [as adj. ] a protection racket.
• (also protection money) the money so paid to criminals, esp. on a regular basis.
• archaic used euphemistically to refer to the keeping of a mistress by her lover in a separate establishment : she was living under his lordship’s protection at Gloucester Gate.
ORIGIN Middle English : from Old French, from late Latin protectio(n-), from protegere ‘cover in front’ (see protect ).

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