DEFINITIONS

protective

[ pruh-tek-tiv ]
/ prəˈtɛk tɪv /

adjective

having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
tending to protect.
Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism: protective tariffs.
defensive(def 4).

Content related to protective

Why Does France Avoid English Loanwords?Why does France hate English loanwords? France has a très rich literary and linguistic culture. So, it’s not surprising that their government takes a dim view to any intrusions made to it by, er, outside influences. As an article in The Guardian notes, “France’s identity has long been bound up with its language, more so possibly than anywhere else.” They also add that “France is …
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Words nearby protective

protecting, protection, protection ratio, protection test, protectionism, protective, protective colloid, protective coloration, protective custody, protective laryngeal reflex, protective slope

Origin of protective

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM protective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for protectiveness

British Dictionary definitions for protectiveness

protective
/ (prəˈtɛktɪv) /

adjective

giving or capable of giving protection
economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries

noun

something that protects
a condom

Derived forms of protective

protectively, adverbprotectiveness, noun
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