protective — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Serving or intended to protect.

   Examples

   The fighter dropped into a protective stance.

   The castle's moat served a protective function.

   More examples (1)

   Pour a solvent such as paint thinner, mineral spirits, or a liquid sandpaper product in a metal can or enamel bowl. Wear protective gloves.

2. Wishing to protect; defensive of somebody or something.

   Examples

   Mother bears are famously protective of their cubs.

Noun

1. Something that protects.

   Usage

   • UK usage

2. A condom.

Adjective

1. intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind

   Antonyms

   unprotective

   Examples

   a protective covering

   the use of protective masks and equipment

   More examples (4)

   protective coatings

   kept the drunken sailor in protective custody

   animals with protective coloring

   protective tariffs

2. showing care

   Examples

   a protective mother

3. (usually followed by ‘of’) solicitously caring or mindful

   Examples

   protective of his reputation