American Dictionary

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Definition protective in American English

protective adjective

adjective
/prəˈtektɪv/
1

providing protection against something harmful or dangerous

Example

protective clothing/goggles

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2

wanting to protect someone from being harmed or hurt

Example

a mother's protective instincts

Example

He's very protective toward his sister.

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2.1

determined to stop something from being damaged or lost

Example

She is fiercely protective of her privacy.

Synonyms and related words
Definition protective in American English