overprotective

[ oh-ver-pruh-tek-tiv ]

adjective

1. unduly protective.

Other Words From

• over·pro·tective·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overprotective¹

First recorded in 1925–30; over- + protective

Example Sentences

Eileen Gu got into extreme sports because of an overprotective mother.

From Time

So instead of trying to be overprotective and close-minded, which could push Charlie away, she chooses to equip her daughter to handle different circumstances.

From Essence.com

People sometimes complain that modern moms and dads are too nervous and overprotective, and that “back in our day,” parenting was a more relaxed and hands-off endeavor.

From Popular-Science

Possibly like Tao Lin, Paul is the coddled favorite of a loving, overprotective mother.

From The Daily Beast

A white paper sign on the wall seems to speak of overprotective modern parents and only acquired irony after the arrest.

From The Daily Beast

The Underground Man is full of overprotective mothers who will do anything to safeguard their errant sons.

From The Daily Beast

I am not only convinced that this competition is healthy, but would venture to say that overprotective mothering does more damage.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• protecting
• protective
• shielding