protective

American  

[pruh-tek-tiv] / prəˈtɛk tɪv /

adjective

1. having the quality or function of protecting: protecting.

   a protective covering.

2. tending to protect.

3. Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism.

   protective tariffs.

4. defensive.

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protective British  

/ prəˈtɛktɪv /

adjective

1. giving or capable of giving protection

2. economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries

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noun

1. something that protects

2. 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

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive

Example Sentences

If state and local officials mean what they say about the rule of law, they will draw the line there and provide protective support—even if they disagree with national immigration policy.

From The Wall Street Journal

As their examinations were wrapping up, attorneys representing the city said they were provisionally designating both depositions confidential under the protective order, according to Alexander “Trey” Robertson, who is representing fire victims.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's normal for teens to be night owls, so let them catch up on sleep on weekends if they can't get enough sleep during the week because that's likely to be somewhat protective," Casement said.

From Science Daily

To protect the devices from chemical reactions with cesium, the waveguides are coated with a protective layer.

From Science Daily

Demyelination is the process in which the myelin sheath -- a protective, insulating layer surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord -- is damaged or destroyed.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• careful
• defensive
• jealous
• possessive
• vigilant
• warm
• watchful