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
- nonprotective adjective
- nonprotectively adverb
- protectively adverb
- protectiveness noun
- semiprotective adjective
- semiprotectively adverb
- unprotective adjective
- unprotectively adverb
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.
The pact defends workers against increases in healthcare costs and protects employees from paying for certain protective equipment that they wear to do their jobs, the union said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
"Using protective strategies like ours, we may finally be able to see them, and learn from them."
From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026
Then, as the cool of autumn took hold, it was finally time for the great reveal: underneath an insulated protective cover was old snow.
From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026
Such records can be turned over as discovery in civil cases, but almost always under a protective order that restricts them from being shared publicly.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Even with protective gear, the workers were exposed.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
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.
