protection

noun

1. the activity of protecting someone or something"the witnesses demanded police protection"
2. a covering that is intend to protect from damage or injury"they had no protection from the fallout"
3. defense against financial failure; financial independence"his pension gave him security in his old age"
4. the condition of being protected"they were huddled together for protection"
5. kindly endorsement and guidance"the tournament was held under the auspices of the city council"
6. the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition"he made trade protection a plank in the party platform"
7. payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence"every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection"