Word
overprotective
Phoneticsover·pro·tec·tive
US/ˌoʊvɝpɹəˈtɛktəv/
UK/ˌəʊvəpɹətˈɛktɪv/
Definition
adj. trying too hard to keep someone safe, so you stop them from doing normal things. You use it about parents who worry too much.
adj. Excessively concerned with shielding someone, especially a child, from harm or risk, to the point of restricting autonomy. Typically describes parental or caregiving behaviour.
Examples
“Her parents are overprotective and check her phone daily.”
“His overprotective mother still walks him to school even though he is twelve.”
“While born of genuine love, overprotective parenting can prevent children from developing resilience and independent judgment.”
Examples
simple
“Her parents are overprotective and check her phone daily.”
contextual
“His overprotective mother still walks him to school even though he is twelve.”
complex
“While born of genuine love, overprotective parenting can prevent children from developing resilience and independent judgment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “overprotective” in context.
Verb
01. become overprotective
“Many parents become overprotective after their first child is born.”
verb + adj
02. overprotective about safety
“Schools are often overprotective about safety and ban useful activities.”
adj + prep + noun
03. overprotective of child
“They are very overprotective of their young child.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
04. extremely overprotective
“His parents are extremely overprotective and rarely let him go out alone.”
adv + adj
05. incredibly overprotective
“Her boyfriend is incredibly overprotective and checks her phone every day.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. overprotective behaviour
“Such overprotective behaviour can make teenagers feel frustrated.”
adj + noun
07. overprotective father
“His overprotective father drove him to school until he was sixteen.”
adj + noun
08. overprotective mother
“She had an overprotective mother who never let her play outside.”
adj + noun
09. a bit overprotective at times
“All parents are a bit overprotective at times, and that's normal.”
10. accused of being overprotective
“She was accused of being overprotective by her teenage son.”
11. become a little overprotective
“It's natural to become a little overprotective with a newborn baby.”
12. don't be so overprotective
“Don't be so overprotective; she needs to learn on her own.”
Real-World Examples
“Laws may encourage parents to be overprotective, but parenting research is recommending the opposite.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/overprotective