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Showing results for overprotective. Search instead for oncoprotective.
Synonyms

overprotective

American  
[oh-ver-pruh-tek-tiv] / ˌoʊ vər prəˈtɛk tɪv /

adjective

  1. unduly protective.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of overprotective

First recorded in 1925–30; over- + protective


Vocabulary lists containing overprotective

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.

See Examples For:

She described the early years of her daughter's life as "constant running" to hospital for operations but said she was made to feel "overprotective," when she raised issues.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

A brash and confident young earthbending prodigy, Toph moonlights as a champion fighter called the Blind Bandit, unbeknownst to her overprotective upper-class parents who think their little girl is helpless.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026

For many years American Jewish writing seemed to be all about sons—sons launched from Chicago, Brooklyn and the Bronx, sons of overprotective mothers, comics punning on “the son also rises.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

That can make people vulnerable, and it can also make well-intentioned children overprotective.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 1, 2025

I’d forgotten how overprotective Mrs. Foley is, even with me.

From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy

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