adjective
- having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
- tending to protect.
- Economics. of, relating to, or designed to favor protectionism: protective tariffs.
- defensive(def 4).
adjective
- giving or capable of giving protection
- economics of, relating to, or intended for protection of domestic industries
noun
- something that protects
- a condom
adj.1660s, from protect + -ive. As a noun from 1875. Related: Protectively; protectiveness. Protective custody is from 1933, translating German Schutzhaft, used cynically by the Nazis.