Protestation   (pronounced prot-is-tay-shun or proh-tis-tay-shun) noun


Definition

1. a solemn or forcefully expressed declaration; an earnest affirmation (that something is or is not the case). 2. the act of protesting or asserting. 3. a strong expression of dissent or objection.

(Helpful tip: almost always used in the plural.)

Main Example

  • Despite 7th ranked Vijay Singh's angry, male chauvinist protestations that "she has no business playing here," as well as similar resentment from several other men, Annika Sorenstam did tee off in last month's Colonial and finished ahead of 13 players. Her performance helped dispel the notion that the very best female golfer was worse than the absolute worst PGA male golfer.

    Workplace Examples

  • I think Mara resents my promotion. Despite all her protestations of support and cooperation, I'll bet she will be only too happy to see me fail.

  • That's baloney! I believe Ted is in this purely for the social prominence and networking opportunities. I don't buy any of his public protestations to the contrary, like how he is doing this to help the community and so on.

    Other Examples

  • a company executive's protestations that they have turned the corner and see robust sales and profits ahead being incompatible with reports of massive insider selling of the company's stock

  • the protestations of Christian faith by George W. Bush, Al Gore, and other leading presidential candidates during the 2000 election campaign

  • many Americans not believing O.J. Simpson's protestations of innocence because of the strong circumstantial evidence against him

  • the U.S. attacking Iraq over the loud protestations of France and Germany

    © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Evanescent
    Prevaricate
    Arcane and Arcana
    Monolith
    Egomaniacal
    Penchant
    Intractable

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