# protective

/pɹəˈtɛktɪv/ (US) · /pɹətˈɛktɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/protective
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. serving to protect

adjective · CEFR B1

designed to keep someone or something safe from harm or damage.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. caring and defensive

adjective · CEFR B2

having a strong desire to keep someone you love safe from any trouble.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a condom

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · British English · Slang

a slang or polite word for a condom.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You should wear protective gloves when using these chemicals.
- The mother bird becomes very protective of her nest when hikers walk too close.
- The government implemented protective tariffs to shield the nascent domestic industry from the aggressive pricing strategies of established international competitors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.