protective

Borrowed from Medieval Latin prōtēctīvus. By surface analysis, protect +‎ -ive.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/

  • Audio (Southern England):

    (file)

• (US, Canada) IPA^(key): /pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/, /pɹoʊˈtɛk.tɪv/
• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /pɹəˈtek.tɪv/
• Rhymes: -ɛktɪv
• Hyphenation: pro‧tec‧tive

protective (comparative more protective, superlative most protective)

1. Serving or intended to protect.

   The fighter dropped into a protective stance.

   The castle's moat served a protective function.

   • 2004, Mickey Baskett, Fabulous Painted Furniture, page 13:

     Pour a solvent such as paint thinner, mineral spirits, or a liquid sandpaper product in a metal can or enamel bowl. Wear protective gloves.

2. Wishing to protect; defensive of somebody or something.

   Mother bears are famously protective of their cubs.

protective (plural protectives)

1. (British) Something that protects.
2. A condom.