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

Combinations of the drugs had stronger protective effects than if they were used alone.

From Science Daily

The workers, however, were not provided with any information about air quality, health risks or protective measures to help them make an informed decision for themselves, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

They recently published a paper in Experimental Neurology showing that, in an animal model, PNA5 appears to have a protective effect on brain cells.

From Science Daily

Once they reach the top of the epidermis, they undergo a programmed death, cornification, to create a protective barrier of dead cells.

From Science Daily

They learned the volcanic rock in the lava tubes created a protective environment that helped shield the minerals and organic compounds from weathering, ultimately preserving the minerals as records of past ecosystems.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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