protective

[pruh-tek-tiv]

adjective

1. having the quality or function of protecting: protecting.

   a protective covering.

2. tending to protect.

3. Economics.,  of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism.

   protective tariffs.

4. defensive.

protective

/ prəˈtɛktɪv /

adjective

1. giving or capable of giving protection

2. economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries

noun

1. something that protects

2. a condom

Other Word Forms

• protectively adverb
• protectiveness noun
• nonprotective adjective
• nonprotectively adverb
• semiprotective adjective
• semiprotectively adverb
• unprotective adjective
• unprotectively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protective¹

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive

Example Sentences

After the game, the running back rode by the Chargers locker room on the back of a golf cart, wearing a protective boot on his left foot.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On Friday, the Met wrote to Defend Our Juries to raise concerns about the amount of police resources the protest would divert at a time when "visible reassurance and protective security" was needed for communities.

Read more on BBC

Beneath the protective embrace of her brothers, Caroline, leaning forward, kisses Gisèle on the cheek.

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Overvoltage can be caused by surges in networks due to oversupply or lightning strikes, or when protective equipment is insufficient.

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The current vaccination requires four injections to be given, so another aim is to work out if the same protective dose can be given in a simpler way - perhaps with fewer jabs.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• careful 
• defensive 
• jealous 
• possessive 
• vigilant 
• warm 
• watchful