B2noun10K+

Protester

UK /["/prəˈtestə(r)//ˈprəʊtestə(r)/"]/US /["/prəˈtestər//ˈprəʊtestər/"]/

Definition

a person who makes a public protest

In simple words: A person who shows that they disagree with something, often in a public space.

Examples

  • Thousands of protesters marched through the city.
  • The streets were crowded with protesters against the war.
  • Police arrested more than 200 anti-nuclear protesters at the military base.
  • Protesters attempted to block legislators from leaving Congress.

Usage notes

Used in contexts related to social or political issues. It's appropriate in news reporting and discussions about rights and activism but may be less suitable in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

protester + verb (e.g., protests, demonstrates)

Memory hint

Think of 'protest' with an 'er' at the end — someone who protests.

Collocations

  • student
  • animal rights
  • environmental
  • arrest
  • call for something
  • demand something
  • march
  • protester against

Synonyms

  • demonstrator

Antonyms

  • supporter
  • advocate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'protestor' — 'protester' is the correct form.
  • Using it in a non-political context — typically refers to social or political issues.
  • Assuming all protesters are violent or disruptive; many protest peacefully.