pro·test • n. / ˈprōˌtest/ 1. a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something: the Hungarian team lodged an official protest| two senior scientists resigned in protest. ∎  an organized public demonstration expressing strong objection to a policy or course of action adopted by those in authority: [as adj.] a protest march. 2. Law a written declaration, typically by a notary public, that a bill has been presented and payment or acceptance refused.• v. / prəˈtest; prōˈtest; ˈprōˌtest/ 1. [intr.] express an objection to what someone has said or done: she wouldn't let him pay, and he didn't protest. ∎  publicly demonstrate strong objection to a policy or course of action adopted by those in authority: doctors and patients protested against plans to cut services at the hospital. ∎  [tr.] publicly demonstrate such objection to (a policy or course of action): the workers were protesting economic measures enacted a week earlier.2. declare (something) firmly and emphatically in the face of stated or implied doubt or in response to an accusation: [with direct speech] “I'm not being coy!” Lucy protested | [tr.] she has always protested her innocence. 3. [tr.] Law write or obtain a protest in regard to (a bill).PHRASES: under protest after expressing one's objection or reluctance; unwillingly: “I'm only here under protest,” Jenna said shortly.DERIVATIVES: pro·test·er / ˈprōˌtestər; prəˈtes-/ n.pro·test·ing·ly adv.pro·tes·tor / ˈprōˌtestər; prəˈtes-/ n.ORIGIN: late Middle English (as a verb in the sense ‘make a solemn declaration’): from Old French protester, from Latin protestari, from pro- ‘forth, publicly’ + testari ‘assert’ (from testis ‘witness’).