Word
protective
Phoneticspro·tec·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈtɛktɪv/
UK/pɹətˈɛktɪv/
Definitions
01serving to protect
B1 · Intermediate
adj. designed to keep someone or something safe from harm or damage.
adj. serving or intended to provide protection against injury, damage, or environmental factors.
“You must wear protective clothing like gloves and a mask when using these chemicals.”
“The workers were required to wear specialized protective gear, including reinforced boots and high-visibility vests, while operating the heavy machinery on the construction site.”
Synonyms
02caring and defensive
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a strong desire to keep someone you love safe from any trouble.
adj. exhibiting a strong desire to shield a person or object from harm, criticism, or difficulty.
“She is very protective of her younger brother and always looks out for him.”
“The mother bear became extremely protective of her cubs when she sensed the hikers approaching their territory from downwind.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a condom
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal · British English · Slang
n. a slang or polite word for a condom.
n. a euphemistic or informal term for a condom.
“He made sure to buy a pack of protectives at the pharmacy.”
“The health clinic distributed free protectives as part of their community outreach program to encourage safe practices among young adults.”
Teaching tip
This noun sense is quite specific and often considered a euphemism; learners should use the standard term 'condom' in most medical or social contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “protective” in context.
Adjective
01. robust protective
“The workers were equipped with robust protective gear to ensure their safety in the hazardous environment.”
adv + adj
02. protective equipment
03. protective glasses
04. protective measures
Real-World Examples
“Certain infections require that nurses and doctors don bulky protective wear – an unhappy task in extreme hot weather.” “The second dose increases the protective immune response to measles and decreases outbreaks of all three diseases overall.” “It started with the solar glasses, as people desperate to see the most complete eclipse in decades formed long queues to buy the proper protective eyewear .” “In the seaside resort of Palma de Majorca in the Balearic Islands, tourists, many in swimsuits, some standing in the water, watched the eclipse closely, protective glasses perched on noses.” Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin prōtēctīvus. By surface analysis, protect + ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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