protective
UK: prəˈtektɪv | US: prəˈtektɪv
adj. serving or intended to protect someone or something from harm
adj. showing a strong desire to defend or shield someone (often emotionally)
The word "protective" derives from the Latin protectus (past participle of protegere, meaning "to cover in front"), combining pro- (forward) and tegere (to cover). The suffix -ive was added in Middle English via Old French to form adjectives indicating a tendency or function. Thus, "protective" literally means "having the function of covering/shielding." Over time, it expanded from physical protection to emotional or psychological safeguarding.
She wore protective gloves while handling the chemicals.
His protective instincts kicked in when he saw the child near the busy road.
The vaccine provides protective immunity against the virus.
She gave him a protective hug when he seemed upset.
The software includes protective measures against cyberattacks.