protest

noun, verb noun [U,C] ~ (against sth) the expression of strong disagreement with or opposition to sth; a statement or an action that shows this: The director resigned in protest at the decision. * The announcement raised a storm of protest. * a protest march * She accepted the charge without protest. * The workers staged a protest against the proposed changes in their contracts. * The building work will go ahead, despite protests from local residents. * The riot began as a peaceful protest. IDIOMS under protest unwillingly and after expressing disagreement: She wrote a letter of apology but only under protest.

1 ~ (about / against / at sth) to say or do sth to show that you disagree with or disapprove of sth, especially publicly: [V] Students took to the streets to protest against the decision. * The victim's widow protested at the leniency of the sentence. * There's no use protesting, I won't change my mind. * [VN] (AmE) They fully intend to protest the decision. 2 to say firmly that sth is true, especially when you have been accused of sth or when other people do not believe you: [VN] She has always protested her innocence. * [Vthat] He protested that the journey was too far by car. * [Vspeech] 'That's not what you said earlier!' Jane protested.