pro·test
(prə-tĕst́, prō-, prṓtĕst́)
[Middle English protesten, from Old French protester, from Latin prōtestārī, prō-, forth; see pro–1, + testārī, to testify (from testis, witness; see trei-).]
verb: -test·ed, -test·ing, -tests.
transitive verb
- To object to, especially in a formal statement. See synonyms at object
- To promise or affirm with earnest solemnity: “He continually protested his profound respect” (Frank Norris)
- Law To declare (a bill) dishonored or refused.
- Archaic To proclaim or make known: “unrough youths that even now/Protest their first of manhood” (Shakespeare)
intransitive verb
- To express strong objection.
- To make an earnest avowal or affirmation.
noun
- A formal declaration of disapproval or objection issued by a concerned person, group, or organization.
- An individual or collective gesture or display of disapproval.
- Law
- A formal statement drawn up by a notary for a creditor declaring that the debtor has refused to accept or honor a bill.
- A formal declaration made by a taxpayer stating that the tax demanded is illegal or excessive and reserving the right to contest it.
derivatives
- prótest́er
- noun
- pro·test́ing·ly
- adverb
