English adjective: protective | |||
1. | protective intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind | ||
Samples | 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. | ||
Similar | antifertility, cautionary, contraceptive, custodial, evasive, overprotective, preservative, prophylactic, prophylactic, protecting, restrictive, safety-related, tutelar, tutelary | ||
See also | defensive, preventative, preventive | ||
Antonyms | unprotective | ||
2. | protective showing care | ||
Samples | A protective mother. | ||
Similar | tender | ||
Antonyms | tough | ||
3. | protective (usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful | ||
Samples | Protective of his reputation. | ||
Similar | careful | ||
Antonyms | careless | ||