protective

Word parts

protect + -ive

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /prɛtɛktɪv/ or /proʊtɛktɪv/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: pro‧tec‧tive

Adjective

Positive protective

Comparative more protective

Superlative most protective

1. If something is protective, it is able to keep something safe.

   The fighter dropped into a protective stance.

   Mother bears are protective of their cubs.

Related words

• protect
• protection
• overprotective