protective
Americanadjective
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having the quality or function of protecting.
a protective covering.
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tending to protect.
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Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism.
protective tariffs.
adjective
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giving or capable of giving protection
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economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries
noun
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something that protects
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a condom
Other Word Forms
Derived 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
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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.
During the mid-14th century, Islamic piracy expanded along the Valencian coastline, while increasing militarization created growing demand for protective equipment and weapons.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
The latter for featured actress for her portrayal of Willy Loman’s protective wife, Linda, in “Death of a Salesman.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
This can lead to "retinol burn" where their protective skin barrier gets damaged.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
"This project is designed to update those protective features to ensure that they are capable of withstanding modern weaponry like drones."
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
In case Washington had already been hit, the soldiers would don radiation suits, smash down the bunker door, and wrap the president in protective clothing before heading out.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
