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 ( def 4 ).

protective

/ prəˈtɛktɪv /

adjective

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

noun

1. something that protects
2. a condom

Derived Forms

• proˈtectiveness, noun
• proˈtectively, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·tective·ly adverb
• pro·tective·ness noun
• nonpro·tective adjective
• nonpro·tective·ly adverb
• semi·pro·tective adjective
• semi·pro·tective·ly adverb
• unpro·tective adjective
• unpro·tective·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protective¹

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive

Example Sentences

And while Korean producers are experts at delivering clean, high-level production value, they are much more protective of their artists’ image.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking into this protective effect then led the researchers to look more closely at the Golgi apparatus by itself.

From Science Daily

Pregnant, vaccinated moms then pass protective antibodies to their babies.

From Los Angeles Times

Northwestern University scientists have developed a new protective coating that significantly extends the life of perovskite solar cells, making them more practical for applications outside the lab.

From Science Daily

"So far, most reports focus on improving the stability of the perovskite material itself, overlooking the protective layers. By improving the protective layer, we were able to enhance the solar cells' overall performance."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• careful
• defensive
• jealous
• possessive
• vigilant
• warm
• watchful