protective
- 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).
Origin of protective
Examples from the Web for protectiveness
Contemporary Examples of protectiveness
In speaking with women close in age to Clinton, it is easy to get a sense of protectiveness of her.
He believes Diana was hounded to her death, and friends claim the single biggest driving force in his life is protectiveness.
Historical Examples of protectiveness
The staggering fact increased her virginal charm and its protectiveness.
The Roll-CallArnold Bennett
If he had entered with a pistol in his hand he would scarcely have disturbed her trust in his protectiveness.
Tess of the d'UrbervillesThomas Hardy
Anna's youth, her fervor, and her remarkable ability drew out all of Susan's motherly instincts of affection and protectiveness.
Susan B. AnthonyAlma Lutz
But women are afraid to marry the extreme type even when the feeling he prompts is more than mere protectiveness.
How to Analyze People on SightElsie Lincoln Benedict and Ralph Paine Benedict
To the passion of love was added, by their attitudes, the passion of protectiveness, of flinging her body between him and them.
VeraElisabeth von Arnim
protective
- giving or capable of giving protection
- economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries
- something that protects
- a condom