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View synonyms for protective

protective

[pruh-tek-tiv]

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.



protective

/ prəˈtɛktɪv /

adjective

  1. giving or capable of giving protection

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

“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

noun

  1. something that protects

  2. a condom

“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
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Other Word Forms

  • protectively adverb
  • protectiveness noun
  • nonprotective adjective
  • nonprotectively adverb
  • semiprotective adjective
  • semiprotectively adverb
  • unprotective adjective
  • unprotectively adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of protective1

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive
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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.

He appeared by video link from HMP Belmarsh flanked by five prison officers dressed in riot masks and protective body armour.

Read more on BBC

This long-term exposure may have influenced how early brains evolved, possibly hindering language and social development in all but modern humans, who possess a unique protective genetic variant.

Read more on Science Daily

“You start to be more out there and in the public eye,” the writer-producer said, “and I think the natural progression is you just get a little more protective.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The researchers discovered that a balanced diet supports longer healthspan and that certain dietary components offer protective effects.

Read more on Science Daily

“Chappell is such a wonderful person; very girl’s girl, very protective of me from our first call, such a presence,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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Related Words

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protection ratioprotective colloid