protective

[ pruh-tek-tiv ]
/ prəˈtɛk tɪv /

adjective

having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
tending to protect.
Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism: protective tariffs.

Origin of protective

First recorded in 1655–65; protect + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM protective

Example sentences from the Web for protective

British Dictionary definitions for protective

protective
/ (prəˈtɛktɪv) /

adjective

giving or capable of giving protection
economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries

noun

something that protects
a condom

Derived forms of protective

protectively, adverb protectiveness, noun