A statement or reason for disagreeing with or opposing something. In court, it is a formal protest against a question or action.
From Latin “objectio,” meaning “a throwing in the way, a complaint,” from “ob-” (against) + “iacere” (to throw). It came into English through legal and formal speech.
In movies, the shouted “Objection!” is a legal shortcut to pause the action and question fairness. In everyday life, clearly stating your objection can be a powerful way to set boundaries or improve decisions.
Women’s objections in workplaces, politics, and homes have historically been dismissed as emotional, irrational, or insubordinate, reinforcing gendered power imbalances. Legal and formal settings have often privileged objections voiced by men as more authoritative.
Treat objections from people of any gender as potentially substantive, and evaluate them on their merits rather than stereotypes about who is “difficult” or “emotional.”
Women who raised objections in law, science, and activism frequently faced backlash but were crucial in exposing harms and injustices.
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