a protective order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a protective order" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a court order intended to protect an individual from harassment, abuse, or harm. Example: "The court issued a protective order to ensure the safety of the victim during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A protective order?

The New York Times

The blogger filed for a protective order.

The New York Times - Tech

Aeon refused, asking the court for a protective order.

The Washington Post

The documents are covered by a protective order forbidding disclosure by lawyers.

The New York Times

First, the corporation applies to the appropriate court to issue a protective order.

The New York Times

She had a protective order barring him from the property after earlier incidents, the police said.

The New York Times

The filing seeking a protective order for documents came in proceedings against Concord Management and Consulting.

The Washington Post

They are seeking a protective order and compensatory and punitive damages, among other things.

The New York Times

A judge granted a protective order to Driscoll, ordering Busch to stay away from her.

The Washington Post

Sometimes, the person who takes out a protective order is not the one ultimately victimized.

The New York Times

The lobbyist is also asking for a protective order against Hill.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use “a protective order” to clearly indicate a court-issued mandate for safety. This term is widely recognized and legally precise.

Common error

Avoid using "a protective order" interchangeably with similar terms like "restraining order" or "injunction" without understanding the specific legal contexts. While related, each term has distinct legal implications and applications.

Linguistic Context

"A protective order" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific legal instrument used to ensure personal safety. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in legal and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A protective order" is a noun phrase that refers to a court-issued mandate designed to protect an individual from harm or harassment. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in legal and news contexts. The phrase functions primarily to inform or discuss legal protections, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While alternative phrases like "a restraining order" or "an order of protection" exist, "a protective order" is widely recognized and legally precise, making it essential to use correctly in legal and related discussions. It is very common across authoritative news sources and academic texts, reflecting its importance in conveying factual legal information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a restraining order

Focuses specifically on restraining someone's actions, often in cases of harassment or abuse.

an order of protection

Emphasizes the act of providing protection through a legal mandate.

a personal protection order

Highlights that the order is specifically for the protection of an individual.

a stay-away order

Directly indicates a legal requirement to stay away from a particular person or place.

a no-contact order

Specifies that any form of contact is prohibited, highlighting the isolation aspect.

a domestic violence order

Specifically addresses protection in the context of domestic violence.

an injunction

A broader term for a court order that compels or prevents specific actions.

a civil protection order

Indicates that the order is issued in a civil, rather than criminal, court.

a peace bond

Implies a legal obligation to maintain peaceful behavior, often involving a financial surety.

a safeguarding order

Focuses on the act of safeguarding someone, often used in child protection cases.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a protective order"?

The purpose of "a protective order" is to legally protect an individual from harassment, abuse, or threats by another person. It typically restricts the abuser from contacting or being near the protected individual.

How does "a protective order" differ from "a restraining order"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "a protective order" often refers specifically to orders issued in domestic violence or family law cases, while "a restraining order" can be issued in a broader range of situations, including workplace harassment or stalking.

What actions can violate "a protective order"?

Violations of "a protective order" can include direct contact with the protected individual, being within a prohibited distance of them (such as their home or workplace), or communicating through third parties. Any action that breaches the specific terms of the order can result in legal consequences.

What can I say instead of seeking "a protective order"?

Depending on the context, you could say someone is seeking "an order of protection", "a stay-away order", or "a no-contact order". The specific term often depends on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case.