People who publicly demonstrate opposition to or disapproval of something, typically a policy or situation. They often gather in groups to express their views through marches, rallies, or other forms of collective action.
From Latin 'protestari' meaning 'to declare publicly, testify,' formed from 'pro-' (forth) and 'testari' (to witness). The word evolved from religious contexts in the 16th century to broader political and social contexts.
The word 'protest' originally had a positive connotation, meaning to declare or affirm something publicly, before it developed its modern sense of opposition. Interestingly, the term 'Protestant' comes from the same root, referring to those who 'protested' (declared) their faith.
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