protective
Americanadjective
-
having the quality or function of protecting.
a protective covering.
-
tending to protect.
-
Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism.
protective tariffs.
adjective
-
giving or capable of giving protection
-
economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries
noun
-
something that protects
-
a condom
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of protective
Explanation
Anything that's protective safeguards or watches out for something (or someone) else. Protective gear keeps you safe from physical injury, and a protective parent cares for and worries about their children. When you work with dangerous chemicals or toxic substances, it makes sense to wear protective masks or gloves, and a new bicycle rider is smart to wear a protective helmet. The first time you bring your new puppy to the dog park, you're likely to be protective of him, keeping him safe from bigger, older dogs. The Latin root of protective is protegere, "to cover in front, or to protect."
Vocabulary lists containing protective
“About Edward Jenner” from the Jenner Institute
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Challenge"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Week 1 Spelling
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Following an injury, the protein supports a protective response that helps neurons maintain protein quality control -- a process known as proteostasis.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 29, 2026
The company did not provide protective equipment or a mask to reduce airborne risks, the complaint alleged.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
He favored energetic national power, executive authority, public debt, a national bank, protective tariffs, manufacturing subsidies and government-led development.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
The activists travelled to Jannatah, near Bethlehem, to build a protective fence around the home of the Faraj family, who have come under pressure from Jewish extremists.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
Vernesha reaches up and clutches my protective hand.
From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
