A circuit includes: an input of shunt circuitry to couple with an output of detection circuitry that provides a protection signal; an output of the shunt circuitry to couple with an input of power amplification circuitry; and the shunt circuitry configured to reduce a gain of the power amplification circuitry responsive to the protection signal, the shunt circuitry including a delay stage configured to continue shunting of an input signal of the power amplification circuitry for a time period corresponding to a turn on time of the power amplification circuitry. In addition, a method includes: receiving a protection signal from detection circuitry; responsive to the protection signal, shunting an input signal of power amplification circuitry to reduce a gain of the power amplification circuitry; and continuing the shunting for a time period corresponding to a turn on time of the power amplification circuitry.