Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - protection

~ n 1 the act of protecting or state of being protected  (You're guaranteed police protection if you testify in court.) + agains  (Take these vitamins daily for protection against minor infections.) give/offer/provide protection (=protect)  (Helen's thin coat gave little protection against the cold.) 2 the promise of payment from an insurance company if something bad happens  (Our Five-Star Policy offers complete protection in case of fire.) 3 something that protects + agains  (Wear a bullet-proof vest as a protection against snipers.) 4 protection money