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 ( def 4 ).

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

Derived Forms

• proˈtectively, adverb
• proˈtectiveness, noun

Other Words From

• pro·tective·ly adverb
• pro·tective·ness noun
• nonpro·tective adjective
• nonpro·tective·ly adverb
• semi·pro·tective adjective
• semi·pro·tective·ly adverb
• unpro·tective adjective
• unpro·tective·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protective¹

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive

Example Sentences

By drawing boundaries against wrongful conduct, law provides a protective zone of freedom within those boundaries.

From The Daily Beast

For instance, how do you balance honesty with any protective urge?

From The Daily Beast

And not that anyone would know I have a self-protective urge, but I do have one.

From The Daily Beast

Former Texas governor Ann Richards was a big fan of the Texas Rangers, a contingent of which was her protective detail.

From The Daily Beast

Overnight people shed their fears, their protective camouflage and their restraints.

From The Daily Beast

The ideas are simpler, the numina seem less cold and more protective, the worshippers more sensible of divine aid.

From Project Gutenberg

He put it in his garden, arranged a small protective wire cylinder around it, and sprinkled it with water.

From Project Gutenberg

But even an age of war and pestilence could be observed without torment from behind the protective shields of the Time Machine.

From Project Gutenberg

But I would tolerate, welcome, indeed, plead for a stiff protective duty upon foreign goods.

From Project Gutenberg

For this reason they have built up a protective instinct against fire.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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