overprotective

[ oh-ver-pruh-tek-tiv ]

adjective

1. unduly protective.

Other Words From

• over·pro·tective·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overprotective¹

First recorded in 1925–30; over- + protective

Example Sentences

Chloe Rist, Mason's sister, told the court how their family had been overprotective of him "because he was so vulnerable and harmless".

From BBC

Even the richest, most overprotective parents could never keep their precious little children precious little children forever.

From Literature

“She was a fantastic mother. She loved her children beyond belief. She was overprotective,” Mayo said.

From Washington Times

Joel is overprotective to the extent of control.

From Salon

Then I added the wife, who is an overprotective Italian American mother who is a breast cancer survivor — my wife is a breast cancer survivor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• protecting
• protective
• shielding