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.
(..) Hold out your arm. Hold out your arm, my beauty... ...or I will take your head. Go to the room. Wait for me there. Stairs. Not a word of protest. You should find a new boyfriend. Go find Mathis. Tell him I've hidden the bodies here and I want him to get rid of them. Do that now. Go. Go, go! (..)2006 Casino Royale