protected groups
noun phraseUK /prəˈtɛktɪd ɡruːps/
US /prəˈtɛktɪd ɡruːps/
Groups of people that laws keep safe from unfair treatment.
The law says protected groups cannot be treated unfairly at work.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Groups of animals or plants that are kept safe by rules.
The park has protected groups of rare birds.
3. People who get extra help because they may be hurt or treated badly.
Children are a protected group in many countries.
4. In law, groups named in rules that stop unfair treatment.
The rules list protected groups such as older people.