Protective (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Showing care; "a protective mother".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The hen spread her wings in a protective manner to cover her chick from the looming hawk.
- Her father had a protective streak when it came to his little sister.
- She had a naturally protective personality, always looking out for those in need.
- He wrapped the fragile gift in multiple layers of paper for an extra protective covering.
- As a nurse, it was a protective instinct that made her double-check the dosage of her patient's medication.
Related Words
Meaning 2
(usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; "protective of his reputation".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She was fiercely protective of her children and would do anything to keep them safe from harm.
- The security team was extremely protective of the president during the chaos at the event.
- He was very protective of his artistic expression and never compromised on his values.
- The manager was unusually protective of her underperforming team member, often offering extra guidance.
- Local conservationists were protective of the wildlife sanctuary and actively worked to prevent its destruction.
Related Words
Meaning 3
Intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The mother applied a protective coating to the furniture to prevent scratches from her toddler's shoes.
- The company implemented a protective policy to safeguard its employees' personal data.
- The soldiers were equipped with protective gear and armor before being deployed to the war zone.
- These protective lenses in my glasses prevent blue light from entering my eyes at night.
- The government imposed protective tariffs on imported steel to help its struggling domestic industry.