protectiveness
Americannoun
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the inclination or tendency to try to protect another, such as a child.
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the quality of being effective protection against infection, damage, theft, or other harm.
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.
One of Askell’s most striking traits is her protectiveness over Claude, which she believes is learning that users often want to trick it into making mistakes, insult it and barb it with skepticism.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026
That protectiveness over his art grew from the difficulties he faced when he first tried to explore his passion fully.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2024
He has also learnt to let go of any protectiveness he might feel around the story.
From BBC • Sep. 12, 2024
While Hüller felt deep affection, even a protectiveness for Sandra, her relationship with Hedwig in “The Zone of Interest” was radically different.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 12, 2023
I felt a sympathy and protectiveness for my brother I’d never felt before.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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.
