protective
Americanadjective
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having the quality or function of protecting.
a protective covering.
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tending to protect.
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Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism.
protective tariffs.
adjective
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giving or capable of giving protection
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economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries
noun
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something that protects
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a condom
Other Word Forms
Derived 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
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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.
A round hit the officer in the chest but his protective vest absorbed the force of the bullet, and the officer was listed in stable condition, according to law enforcement sources.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
This can lead to "retinol burn" where their protective skin barrier gets damaged.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
"This project is designed to update those protective features to ensure that they are capable of withstanding modern weaponry like drones."
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
NJ Transit and the governor explained the increased fare for ticket holders was a protective measure so the additional cost isn’t spread across all commuters and New Jersey tax payers.
From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026
No. Mr. Lyons would’ve seen it and taken protective measures.
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
