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.
protective of his reputation
the use of protective masks and equipment
a protective covering
kept the drunken sailor in protective custody
animals with protective coloring
protective tariffs
protective coatings
a protective mother
protect
protectant
protection
protectionism
protectionist
protective
protector
protectorate
protege
protein
proteinuria
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