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definitions

protective

[ pruh-tek-tiv ]
/ prəˈtɛk tɪv /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR protective ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
tending to protect.
Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism: protective tariffs.
defensive(def 4).

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RELATED WORDS

watchful, possessive, vigilant, warm, defensive, jealous, careful, conservative, covering, emergency, guardian, preservative, conservational, custodial, protecting, shielding

Nearby words

protection, protection ratio, protection test, protectionism, protectionist, protective, protective colloid, protective coloration, protective custody, protective laryngeal reflex, protective slope

Origin of protective

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for protective

British Dictionary definitions for protective

protective

/ (prəˈtɛktɪv) /

adjective

giving or capable of giving protection
economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries

noun

something that protects
a condom
Derived Formsprotectively, adverbprotectiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for protective

protective

adj.

1660s, from protect + -ive. As a noun from 1875. Related: Protectively; protectiveness. Protective custody is from 1933, translating German Schutzhaft, used cynically by the Nazis.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper