protest

/ˈprō-ˌtest/

Middle English, from protester

noun

  1. a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent: such as

  2. a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage

  3. a declaration made especially before or while paying that a tax is illegal and that payment is not voluntary

verb

  1. to make solemn declaration or affirmation of

  2. to execute or have executed a formal protest against (something, such as a bill or note)

  3. to make a statement or gesture in objection to

protest my innocence

assert declare affirm protest avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. declare stresses open or public statement.

idiom

  1. while expressing objection, disagreement, or disapproval of the need to perform an act

He paid the fine under protest.