protective
Americanadjective
-
having the quality or function of protecting.
a protective covering.
-
tending to protect.
-
Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism.
protective tariffs.
adjective
-
giving or capable of giving protection
-
economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries
noun
-
something that protects
-
a condom
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of protective
Explanation
Anything that's protective safeguards or watches out for something (or someone) else. Protective gear keeps you safe from physical injury, and a protective parent cares for and worries about their children. When you work with dangerous chemicals or toxic substances, it makes sense to wear protective masks or gloves, and a new bicycle rider is smart to wear a protective helmet. The first time you bring your new puppy to the dog park, you're likely to be protective of him, keeping him safe from bigger, older dogs. The Latin root of protective is protegere, "to cover in front, or to protect."
Vocabulary lists containing protective
“About Edward Jenner” from the Jenner Institute
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Challenge"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Week 1 Spelling
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The association honored Secret Service agent Victor Gonzalez, who was shot in his protective vest while confronting the gunman, along with Washington Hilton employees who helped guests during the attack.
From Salon ● Jul. 25, 2026
In a post on X, Lecornu also promised the delivery of 1.5 million protective face masks in the Gironde department surrounding Bordeaux "to protect the personnel involved and the populations exposed to smoke".
From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026
“I am aware of recent media inquiries concerning a protective order entered on July 10, 2026,” the chef wrote alongside the screenshot.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Multiple sclerosis is caused by the immune system attacking the protective covering around nerve cells - known as myelin.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
Cardan is wearing silver on his chest, too, a plate of gleaming steel that hooks over his shoulders and seems more ornamental than protective.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
