protest
释义
A public expression of strong objection or disapproval; a demonstration
抗议；示威活动
To object to or speak out strongly against something
抗议，反对，强烈表示反对
To declare something firmly and publicly, especially one's innocence
公开郑重声明（尤指自己无辜）
词根拆分
词根派生pro-（向前、公开）+ test（作证）= 在众人面前公开而有力地声明。中性的原义「公开申明」保留在 "protest one's innocence" 中。因为人们公开站出来多半是为了反对，词义便滑向今天的主流义：反对、示威。
词根 test 还连着 11 个词使用指南
- 重音转移：PRO-test（名词，示威）vs pro-TEST（动词，抗议）。
- 美式 vs 英式：美式直接 protest something（protest the decision）；英式常用 protest against / about something。
- 正式义 "protest one's innocence / loyalty" = 郑重声明，并非反对。
例句
- 1.
Thousands joined the protest against the new law.
数千人加入了反对新法律的抗议活动。
- 2.
Students protested outside the government building all day.
学生们在政府大楼外抗议了一整天。
- 3.
He protested that he had never seen the document before.
他辩称自己以前从没见过那份文件。
- 4.
She protested her innocence throughout the trial.
整个审判过程中她都声称自己无罪。