He paid the fine 'under protest'. [=he paid the fine although he objected to it]
The students launched/held/staged a 'protest' against the tuition increase.
She told him to go to bed despite his 'protests' that he wasn't tired.
(..) of the aliens goes viral. "Biological contamination is a major risk factor at the Montana site". So, say environmental pressure groups. to protest the government's handling of the crisis. First contact with whoever it is that is inside that thing, and who do we have running the show? (..)2016 Arrival