protective

Valid in Scrabble

Pronunciation

/pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/ (UK)

See all 4 pronunciations

/pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/ (UK) · /pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/ (US) · /pɹoʊˈtɛk.tɪv/ (US) · /pɹəˈtek.tɪv/

Definition of protective

4 senses · 2 parts of speech · etymology included

adj

Serving or intended to protect.

“The fighter dropped into a protective stance.”
“The castle's moat served a protective function.”
“Pour a solvent such as paint thinner, mineral spirits, or a liquid sandpaper product in a metal can or enamel bowl. Wear protective gloves.”

See all 4 definitions

adj

Serving or intended to protect.

“The fighter dropped into a protective stance.”
“The castle's moat served a protective function.”
“Pour a solvent such as paint thinner, mineral spirits, or a liquid sandpaper product in a metal can or enamel bowl. Wear protective gloves.”
Wishing to protect; defensive of somebody or something.

“Mother bears are famously protective of their cubs.”

noun

Definitions from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.

Etymology tree Medieval Latin prōtēctīvusbor. English protective Borrowed from Medieval Latin prōtēctīvus. By surface analysis, protect + -ive.

200+ playable · top: CORVETTE (13 pts)

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