protective

Everyday

1. Made to keep someone or something safe from harm: "protective gloves", "protective goggles". tree →
2. Wanting to keep someone safe, sometimes too much: "Mum is very protective of the baby." tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons pupils wear protective goggles; in sport, players wear protective helmets and pads. In nature, some animals have a protective shell or colour. In stories, a protective big sister looks after a younger child. Phrases: protective clothing, protective of, protective gear, protective layer.

Examples

• Wear protective goggles during the experiment. tree →
• A tortoise has a hard protective shell. tree →
• Cyclists wear protective helmets. tree →
• The mother bear was very protective of her cubs. tree →
• The firefighters put on their protective clothing. tree →
• Grandpa is protective of his old garden tools. tree →
• Sunscreen gives your skin a protective layer. tree →

Note

Adjective from the verb "protect"; the noun is "protection". "Protective of" someone means wanting to keep them safe. Safety: protective gear only works if you wear it properly, for example a helmet must be fastened. Being too protective can stop someone from trying things themselves.