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.
(..) to be made of wood. You are without doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of. But you have heard of me. Commodore, I really must protest. Carefully, Lieutenant. Pirate or not, this man saved my life. One good deed is not enough to redeem a man (..)2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
(..) Thanks for the hand! ...Norther's were just beginning. When Norther made his first million dollars... ...he sent me a check for . I protested, but he said it was my fee as his career advisor. It was enough to buy my wife a proper house... ...with a white picket fence. (..)2003 Big Fish
(..) 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