Synonyms

overprotective

American

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

adjective

unduly protective.

Other Word Forms

overprotectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of overprotective

First recorded in 1925–30; over- + protective

Vocabulary lists containing overprotective

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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.

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

He’s positively delightful here, whether being overprotective of Deschanel or suffering her ministrations, dancing around Curtis, or fencing with Jake Johnson’s Nick.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

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

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

Joel is overprotective to the extent of control.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2023

“By the way, do me a favor: if you want to play overprotective daddy with me, just say so.”

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023